The 2027 special focus, “Social Contracts in Transition: Welfare, Work, Globalization,” examines how foundational agreements between states, markets, and citizens are being reshaped under conditions of economic restructuring, technological change, demographic shifts, and global integration. Longstanding models of welfare provision, labor relations, and social protection are under pressure, raising urgent questions about solidarity, responsibility, and inclusion in an increasingly interconnected world.

Twenty-Second International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France, 15-17 July 2027

Presentation

Founded in 2006, the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Research Network is brought together by a common interest in disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches, within and across the various social sciences, and between the social, natural and applied sciences. We seek to build an epistemic community where we can make linkages across disciplinary, geographic, and cultural boundaries. As a Research Network, we are defined by our scope and concerns and motivated to build strategies for action framed by our shared themes and tensions.

We invite you to join us for the Twenty-Second International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, the annual meeting of the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Research Network, taking place 15–17 July at Sorbonne University, Paris, France, and online. The conference is held alongside the Twentieth Global Studies Conference, creating a shared intellectual space for examining social change across local, national, and global contexts. The Network brings together scholars, practitioners, educators, policymakers, and community leaders committed to interdisciplinary approaches to complex social issues.

Special Focus and Themes

The 2027 special focus, “Social Contracts in Transition: Welfare, Work, Globalization,” examines how foundational agreements between states, markets, and citizens are being reshaped under conditions of economic restructuring, technological change, demographic shifts, and global integration. Longstanding models of welfare provision, labor relations, and social protection are under pressure, raising urgent questions about solidarity, responsibility, and inclusion in an increasingly interconnected world.

This focus invites contributions that analyse changing forms of work, welfare, and social policy; the impacts of globalization on national and local social arrangements; and emerging alternatives to established social contracts. Papers may address precarious labor, care economies, migration and citizenship, public services, social movements, and institutional reform. Alongside the special focus, proposals aligned with the Network’s ongoing themes across social and community studies, cultural studies, civic and political studies, educational studies, and organizational studies are encouraged.

Knowledge Experience and Format

The conference is organised as a hybrid knowledge experience, integrating in-person and online participation within a unified scholarly environment. Sessions at Sorbonne University are integrated with live online and asynchronous presentations, ensuring shared engagement among delegates regardless of mode of participation.

Publication Pathways

Presenters are invited to develop their work for possible publication in the journals of the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Research Network, including The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Social and Community Studies, The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies, The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Civic and Political Studies, and The International Journal of Interdisciplinary Educational Studies, or in the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Book Imprint, which publishes monographs and edited collections advancing interdisciplinary research. All journals and book imprints are Hybrid Open Access, offering both traditional and Open Access publication pathways.

Membership and Community

By purchasing a Presenter Pass, participants become members of the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Research Network for the year, with access to the Network’s conferences, publications, and online community spaces that support ongoing collaboration across disciplines and sectors.

Submission guidelines

You’ll be asked to select a presentation format—either in-person at the conference venue or online via our integrated CGScholar (KX) platform—but our hybrid model is designed to support both. You may change your choice at any time if your plans or preferences shift.

This Research Network is fully bilingual. You are welcome to present in Spanish or English. Take the appropriate link below:

• Submit Spanish Language Proposal
• Submit English Language Proposal

Proposals are accepted from launch until one month prior to the conference start date. The dates below indicate the opening of both the proposal submission and registration periods.

Proposals will be reviewed within two to four weeks of submission.

• Early Launch to14 December (26)
• Regular 15 December (26) to14 April (27)
• Late 15 April (27) to 15 June (27)

Learn more: https://thesocialsciences.com/2027-conference

Scientific Committee

• Dr. Marcin Galent, Research Network Chair, Institute for European Studies, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
• Prof. Louise Dalingwater, Local Conference Host, Sorbonne Université, France
• Dr. Phillip Kalantzis Cope, Chief Social Scientist, Common Ground Research Networks, United States of America

Registration Periods

The digital media deadline is one week before the conference.

• Early  Launch to 14 January (27)
• Regular 15 January (27) to 14 June (27)
• Late  15 June (27) to 15 July (27)