A headshot of Kimberly Hitchings wearing a navy polo neck jumper

#BISA2026 conference keynote announced

We are excited to announce that the keynote speaker for #BISA2026 will be leading scholar Professor Kimberly Hutchings, currently based at Queen Mary University of London. The title of Kimberly’s keynote will be ‘Violence and the Meaning of Peace’. 

Kimberly Hutchings is Professor of Politics and International Relations at Queen Mary University of London. She works in the field of international political theory and ethics, including feminist theory and ethics, the political theory of violence, Global Ethics and the history of women’s international thought. 

Kimberley is the author of several books including: Kant, Critique and Politics (1996); International Political Theory: Re-thinking Ethics in a Global Era (1999); Hegel and Feminist Philosophy (2003); Time and World Politics: thinking the present (2008); Global Ethics: an introduction (2010; 2018); Violence and Political Theory (co-authored with Elizabeth Frazer, 2020) and was co-editor of the anthology: Women’s International Thought: towards a new canon (2022). Her current work is focused on two areas: epistemic justice in relation to constructions of the canon in IR and Philosophy and meanings of peace and pacifism.

The 2026 conference theme is: Is International Studies ready for what comes next? New thinking, new directions. The conference will be held in Brighton at the Brighton Centre from 3-5 June 2026. It is particularly fitting to have Professor Hutchings as the keynote speaker, since she completed her PhD in Brighton at the University of Sussex.

At the BISA conference you can join a dynamic community of specialists from around the world to discuss, debate, and advance the field of international studies. Whether you're presenting your latest research, seeking insightful feedback, or simply looking to engage in thought-provoking discussions, our conference offers something for everyone.

In addition to the keynote by Kimberly Hutchings, the conference will include:

  • Three days of inspiring, provocative and diverse panels and roundtables
  • Public lecture the evening prior to the conference (soon to be announced!)
  • Conference drinks reception on Wednesday 3 June at the Brighton Centre
  • Social programme including a Postgraduate Network/first-timer meet up, and an early-morning 5km run around Brighton.

Abstract, panel and roundtable submissions are open now until 3 November.

Visit the conference website