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.

This two-day social sciences impact conference (24-25 March 2026, St Anne’s College, Oxford), supported by the University of Oxford’s ESRC Impact Acceleration Account, will explore how collaboration, openness, innovation and inclusion can help us move forward positively to address some of the major challenges we collectively face.

Registration for in person delegates is now closed. If you need assistance contact the conference team by email: impactconference@socsci.ox.ac.uk

Register to attend online to access to 10 fantastic live sessions across the two days using the Online Registration Form.

Venue

The conference will be held at St Anne’s College, 56 Woodstock Road, OX2 6HS, Oxford (access through the main entrance on Woodstock Road).  

As you enter, please follow the conference signage. Our colleagues will be on site to greet you.  

Travel Information

St Anne’s College is located in the heart of the city. It is a 20 minute walk from Oxford Railway Station and a 15 minute walk from Gloucester Green Bus Station.  

The College is also easily accessible from the Railway Station using the buses 14, S1 or S3 Gold. From Gloucester Green Bus Station use buses S1, S3 Gold or 300 Park & Ride. If you are arriving at Oxford Parkway Station, please hop on buses 800, 2, 2A or 600. 

There are several bike racks inside and outside the College.  

Welcome Desk

Our welcome desk will open at 08:45 each day. Please visit us as soon as you arrive so that you can collect your name badge. The desk will remain open throughout each day. Please drop by if you need any assistance during the conference. 

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: 

Day 1 Exhibition Map

Day 1 Exhibition Map

Day 2 Exhibition Map

Day 2 Exhibition Map

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. 

Read our inclusivity statement and code of conduct 

Accessibility

Details of the venue’s access guide can be found on their website. If you have any accessibility requirements that you have not yet informed us about and may need support with, please get in touch with us in advance so we can assist. 

Reception Sponsor