Postgraduate Network (PGN) Conference: Supporting research by emerging scholars
Following the success of last year’s conference at the University of Edinburgh, the Postgraduate Network (PGN) is delighted to announce its second in-person conference since the Covid-19 pandemic. This event seeks to promote the production and exchange of knowledge, with a particular focus on PhD researchers and early-career researchers (ECRs). The conference provides an opportunity to enhance the visibility of participants’ research, receive constructive feedback, and strengthen the academic community that has been developed throughout the year.
01 Purpose and format of the conference
In line with the PGN’s commitment to creating meaningful development opportunities for PhD students and ECRs, this year’s conference blends traditional academic panels with experience-sharing sessions.
The first day will focus on specialist skills workshops designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge on various aspects of the PhD and post-PhD journey. These workshops aim to complement - and go beyond - standard university provision by bringing together emerging scholars from diverse institutions and global contexts. Participants will be able to sign up for workshops based on their interests once conference registration opens.
The second day will be dedicated to panel presentations, developed in collaboration with BISA working groups aligned with each panel’s theme. Each panel will include at least one senior academic discussant. This format offers PhD researchers and ECRs the chance to present their work to a broad audience, improve their research communication skills, and receive tailored feedback from experienced scholars beyond their home institutions. The call is now open for individual paper submissions. We welcome academic research papers and policy-focused analyses on any topic within the broad field of International Studies. Submissions may also include individual chapters or sections of a PhD thesis.
02 An in-person event
The 2026 Conference will be hosted at Northumbria University in Newcastle and will be held exclusively in person, with no virtual or hybrid option available. While the PGN offers a range of online events throughout the year, this conference is intended as a dedicated opportunity for past and future participants to connect face-to-face and engage in meaningful academic exchange. Complimentary coffee breaks and lunches will be provided to support accessibility and participation.
All conference venues and rooms will have step-free access. Dietary requirements and allergies will be accommodated, and attendees will be invited to share this information during registration. If you have additional accessibility needs, please contact us at pgn.group@bisa.ac.uk, and we will be happy to assist.
03 Submission and registration process
The call for papers is currently open and will close on 1 March 2026. Registration for conference attendance will open shortly after this deadline.
04 Key dates
- 27 January 2026: Call for papers opens
- 1 March 2026: Submission deadline
- w/c 9 March 2026: Notification of decisions and registration opens
- 6 April 2026: Final programme released
- 30 April 2026: Conference begins
05 Fees and bursaries
Attendance at the conference is free for both presenters and non-presenters. A limited number of needs-based bursaries will be available to support presenters with travel and accommodation expenses. Applicants may indicate their interest in bursary consideration during the paper submission process. Decisions regarding bursaries will be communicated alongside paper acceptance notifications during the week commencing 9 March 2026.
06 Submitting your paper
The abstract submission period is now open. Please complete your submission via the designated online portal.
If you have any questions or require assistance with the submission process, please contact pgn.group@bisa.ac.uk.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Northumbria University School of Humanities and Social Sciences towards the BISA PGN Conference 2026. This continued support is essential to the delivery of initiatives that significantly enhance the student learning experience at Northumbria University.
Photo by Peter McDermott on Wikipedia Commons