Call for Papers | UACES Graduate Forum Research Conference 2026

The 2026 UACES Graduate Forum Research Conference will explore how Europe is responding to a more fragmented and competitive international environment. Political division within EU member states, heightened geopolitical tensions and growing pressure on long‑standing international frameworks have raised pressing questions about the European Union’s role, identity and resilience. These developments are reshaping the EU’s internal dynamics and influencing its capacity to act externally, while testing established partnerships and the structures that support European and global governance. The conference invites PhD students and early‑career researchers to examine these issues from a wide range of disciplinary and methodological perspectives.

The conference calls for research that examines how the EU responds to fragmentation, competition and evolving global challenges across different policy areas and contexts. Scholars in political science, law, history, economics, sociology, anthropology, international relations and related fields are encouraged to contribute. We welcome research that employs diverse methodologies, from traditional approaches to innovative and interdisciplinary perspectives.

The conference provides a platform for young and emerging scholars to investigate the pressures shaping Europe today and to contribute to wider debates about the EU’s future. UACES particularly welcomes proposals from BIPOC academics, scholars from under‑represented geographies including the Global South and researchers from disciplines that have lower representation at UACES events such as anthropology, cultural studies and history.

When submitting your proposal you should indicate which theme your paper aligns with. This will help the Graduate Forum team in creating panels when putting the programme together.

• European Integration and Enlargement

• Critical Approaches to EU Studies

• EU Institutions and Political Parties

• Democracy and Political Participation

• EU Law and Policymaking

• Global Europe and Foreign and Security Policy

• Migration and Refugee Studies

• Economic Inequality and Social Policy

• European History, Identity, and Diaspora Studies

• Rule of Law and Constitutionalism

• Open Track

We look forward to thought-provoking discussions and contributions that shed light on the future of democracy and EU values.

Ready to share your research? Submit your paper by completing the sign-up form by midnight on 23 March 2025.