Deadline: March 13, 2026
The Oxford Migration 2026 Conference invites scholars, practitioners, activists, and creatives from around the world to participate in an interdisciplinary gathering that explores migration, justice, and the future of displaced communities. Organised by the Oxford Migration Studies Society at the University of Oxford, this conference provides a platform for meaningful dialogue, critical reflection, and innovative thinking about migration in an evolving global landscape.
The Oxford Migration 2026 Conference aims to bring together diverse voices working across disciplines and sectors to share research, creative works, and policy insights related to migration and mobility. Participants will have the opportunity to present their work, engage in scholarly exchange, and contribute to discussions shaping the future of migration studies.
Whether you are a researcher, policymaker, activist, artist, or practitioner, this conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with a global community committed to understanding and addressing migration-related challenges.
About the Oxford Migration 2026 Conference
The Oxford Migration 2026 Conference is an interdisciplinary event designed to explore contemporary debates and emerging perspectives in migration studies. The conference encourages submissions that engage with the political, social, cultural, and economic dimensions of migration.
Participants will be invited to reflect on how migrants, refugees, and displaced communities are navigating systems of power, inequality, and policy frameworks while simultaneously shaping new forms of belonging and collective futures.
Organised as a hybrid event, the conference will allow both in-person and virtual participation, making it accessible to participants from different parts of the world.
Through panel discussions, presentations, and creative engagements, the conference aims to foster critical conversations about migration justice, human mobility, and the role of scholarship and activism in shaping more inclusive societies.
Conference Theme
Migration, Justice, and the Making of Futures
The central theme of the conference focuses on the relationship between migration and justice in contemporary global contexts.
Migration continues to shape political debates, social structures, and cultural identities across the world. However, migrants and displaced communities often face systemic barriers, restrictive policies, and social exclusion. At the same time, these communities demonstrate resilience and agency by creating alternative pathways toward justice and belonging.
The conference seeks to examine questions such as:
- How are migrants and displaced communities envisioning new futures?
- What forms of justice can address the structural inequalities faced by migrants?
- How can scholarship and activism contribute to more equitable migration systems?
- What role do culture, creativity, and storytelling play in shaping migration narratives?
By exploring these questions, the conference aims to contribute to broader conversations about migration governance, human rights, and social justice.
Conference Details
Below are the key details for prospective participants interested in the Oxford Migration 2026 Conference:
- Conference Name: Oxford Migration 2026 Conference
- Organiser: Oxford Migration Studies Society
- Host Institution: University of Oxford
- Conference Format: Hybrid (In-person and Online Participation)
- Conference Dates: 5–6 June 2026
- Submission Deadline for Abstracts: 13 March 2026 (12:00 noon GMT)
The hybrid format allows participants who cannot travel to still engage with the conference and contribute to discussions through virtual presentations.
Who Can Apply
The conference welcomes submissions from individuals across a wide range of disciplines and professional backgrounds.
Eligible participants include:
- Academic researchers and scholars
- Graduate students and early-career researchers
- Policymakers and government representatives
- Civil society organisations and advocacy groups
- Migration practitioners and development professionals
- Journalists and media practitioners
- Artists, writers, and creative practitioners
The organisers encourage applications from participants around the world, particularly those whose work focuses on migration, mobility, displacement, and related issues.
The conference is designed to create an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives can be shared and explored.
Types of Submissions Accepted
Applicants may submit different types of contributions for consideration at the conference. These may include both academic and creative works that engage with migration-related themes.
Accepted submission formats include:
Academic Research
Participants may submit abstracts presenting original research findings, ongoing research projects, or theoretical contributions to migration studies.
These presentations may explore topics such as:
- Migration governance and policy
- Refugee protection and humanitarian responses
- Border politics and migration control
- Social integration and belonging
- Migration and labour markets
- Migration and climate change
- Diaspora studies and transnationalism
Documentary Films
Filmmakers and visual storytellers are invited to submit documentary films that highlight migration experiences, displacement, identity, or mobility.
Documentaries can provide powerful insights into the lived experiences of migrants and refugees while raising awareness of migration-related issues.
Creative Writing and Poetry
The conference also welcomes creative submissions that explore migration through literary or artistic expression.
These may include:
- Poetry
- Narrative essays
- Creative non-fiction
- Storytelling projects
Creative works offer alternative ways of engaging with migration experiences and can contribute to a deeper understanding of identity, memory, and displacement.
Abstract Submission Requirements
Individuals interested in presenting at the Oxford Migration 2026 Conference must submit an abstract outlining their proposed contribution.
Abstract Guidelines
- Abstracts must not exceed 250 words.
- Submissions should clearly explain the topic, research question, or creative concept.
- Applicants should highlight how their work relates to the conference theme.
- Abstracts should demonstrate the relevance and originality of the proposed presentation.
Applicants are encouraged to write concise yet compelling abstracts that clearly communicate the significance of their work.
Presentation Opportunities
Selected participants will have the opportunity to present their work during conference sessions.
Presentations may take the form of:
- Individual research presentations
- Panel discussions
- Creative presentations
- Film screenings
These sessions will allow participants to share ideas, receive feedback, and engage with other scholars and practitioners working on migration-related topics.
Publication Opportunity
Participants may also opt to have their work considered for publication in a special issue of Routed Magazine.
Routed Magazine is an online publication that focuses on migration, mobility, and related social issues. It provides a platform for both academic and creative works that engage with migration from diverse perspectives.
Applicants who indicate interest in publication may be invited to submit a full manuscript following the conference.
It is important to note that:
- Applying for publication consideration does not guarantee acceptance.
- Applicants may be selected for the conference presentation but not the publication, or vice versa.
Accessibility and Participation Support
The Oxford Migration 2026 Conference is organised as a student-led initiative by the Oxford Migration Studies Society.
The organisers recognise that many participants may face barriers when participating in international conferences. These barriers may include:
- Financial constraints
- Administrative challenges such as visa requirements
- Accessibility needs
- Time zone differences for virtual participation
As a result, the organisers encourage individuals who may face such barriers to apply and participate.
The hybrid conference model has been designed to increase accessibility and ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds can contribute to the discussions.
Why Participate in the Oxford Migration 2026 Conference
Participating in the Oxford Migration 2026 Conference offers several benefits for researchers, practitioners, and creatives interested in migration studies.
1. International Academic Exposure
Participants will have the opportunity to present their work to a global audience, including scholars and experts working in migration studies.
2. Networking Opportunities
The conference provides a platform to connect with academics, policymakers, activists, and organisations working on migration issues.
These connections can lead to future collaborations, research partnerships, and professional opportunities.
3. Knowledge Exchange
Participants will engage in discussions that explore emerging ideas and research findings related to migration.
This exchange of knowledge can help strengthen research projects and expand perspectives on migration-related challenges.
4. Publication Opportunity
Selected participants may have the opportunity to publish their work in a special issue of Routed Magazine, gaining visibility within the migration studies community.
5. Interdisciplinary Engagement
The conference welcomes contributions from multiple disciplines, creating a dynamic space for cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Participants can learn from different approaches to migration studies, including sociology, anthropology, political science, law, and the arts.
Important Dates to Remember
Applicants interested in the Oxford Migration 2026 Conference should take note of the following key dates:
- Abstract Submission Deadline: 13 March 2026 (12:00 noon GMT)
- Conference Dates: 5–6 June 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their abstracts before the deadline to ensure consideration.
How to Apply
Interested participants can submit their abstracts through the official conference application platform.
Applicants should carefully review the submission guidelines before completing the application process.
To begin your application or learn more about the conference, use the links below.
Final Thoughts
The Oxford Migration 2026 Conference represents an important opportunity for scholars, practitioners, and creatives to engage in meaningful dialogue about migration and justice.
As migration continues to shape global societies, platforms like this conference play a vital role in bringing together diverse voices to examine the challenges and possibilities surrounding human mobility.
By participating in the Oxford Migration 2026 Conference, individuals can contribute to critical discussions, share innovative ideas, and help shape the future of migration studies.
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