Social Sciences Impact Conference 2026
Today's rapidly-changing world is full of uncertainty - political shifts, rising global tensions and conflicts, the advance of AI and cybersecurity threats, the climate crisis, health and biosecurity risks, societal and cultural shifts, and changes in international aid, energy and supply chain systems. This uncertainty brings new challenges - but it also provides many opportunities to work together, to build resilience and enable meaningful change. Social sciences can provide robust approaches, evidence and understanding to inform responses and reimagine futures for the better.
The 2026 Social Sciences Impact Conference took place on 24-25 March 2026 at St Anne's College, Oxford. It was supported by the University of Oxford's ESRC Impact Acceleration Account, and it explored how collaboration, openness, innovation and inclusion can help us move forward positively to address some of the major challenges we collectively face.
Explore the programme
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Reception sponsor
Exhibition
We are delighted to have 11 exhibitors joining us on each day of the conference. Please note the exhibition opening times below:
- Tuesday 24 March: 11:40 - 18:30
- Wednesday 25 March: 11:30 - 16:30
Exhibition maps will be displayed at the venue, also available to download:
Inclusivity
The Social Sciences Impact Conference is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and accessible environment for all participants - welcoming diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and expertise. We expect all delegates to engage constructively and respectfully, and we provide mechanisms to support accessibility and report concerns. We invite all attendees to help foster a safe and welcoming space that reflects our shared commitment to meaningful impact.