Call for Abstracts and Save the Date for SocialCapital2026, taking place March 26–28, 2026, at Heriot-Watt University Dubai
The International Social Capital Association (ISCA) invites researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from across the globe to exchange insights and foster new collaborations at the first international conference dedicated to social capital. This transdisciplinary field supports study across wide-ranging social and information sciences, such as network analysis, knowledge systems, community engagement, public policy, digital transformation, and others.
Keynote Speakers
The conference will feature keynote addresses by three influential scholars and visionaries:
🔹 Prof. Robert D. Putnam, author of Bowling Alone and leading voice on civic decline and community
🔹 Prof. Raj Chetty, whose groundbreaking work links social networks to economic mobility and opportunity
🔹 Prof. Beate Völker, a prominent sociologist known for her influential work on social networks, urban trust, and the microfoundations of social capital
Conference Streams
SocialCapital2026 will be organized around diverse thematic streams that highlight the interdisciplinary nature of social capital research, including:
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Health, Wellbeing, and Human Flourishing
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Governance, Democracy, and Institutional Trust
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Theory and Measurement of Social Capital
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Community Resilience, Preparedness, and Disaster Recovery
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Environment, Sustainability, and Climate Change
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Inclusive Economies, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Mobility
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Social Capital in the Age of AI
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Education, Learning, and Knowledge Systems
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Mobility, Migration, and Transnational Solidarity
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Agriculture, Rural, and Community Development
Key Dates
📥 Deadline for submission of abstracts: September 19, 2025
🎫 Early-bird registration until January 23, 2026
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Alice Campbell
CA
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