BISA 2026 Conference in Brighton Focuses on Global Politics and Academic Collaboration
The British International Studies Association (BISA) 2026 conference, held in Brighton from April 12–15, brought together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss pressing issues in international relations. The event, organized by BISA, featured panels, workshops, and discussions on topics ranging from global governance to security studies, with a focus on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue.
Key Themes and Participants
Day 3 of the conference highlighted research on contemporary geopolitical challenges, with presentations from academics at institutions such as the University of Birmingham, University of York, and Lusófona University Lisbon. Juliet Dryden, BISA’s director, emphasized the importance of academic collaboration in addressing global crises. “The conference serves as a platform to bridge theoretical research with practical policy solutions,” Dryden stated.
The event also featured a roundtable discussion with experts including Rong Wei (University of Birmingham), Chris Featherstone (University of York), and Myriam Fotou (University of Leicester), who explored themes such as climate change’s impact on international security and the role of non-state actors in global politics.
Keynote Address by Prof. Kimberly Hutchings
The conference’s keynote speaker, Prof. Kimberly Hutchings of Queen Mary University of London, delivered a talk titled “Reimagining International Relations in a Fragmented World.” Hutchings, a renowned scholar of international political theory, argued for a more inclusive approach to global governance. “We must move beyond traditional state-centric frameworks to address the complexities of today’s interconnected challenges,” she said.
A full transcript of her speech is expected to be published by E-International Relations (E-IR), the conference’s media partner, in the coming weeks.
Academic and Public Engagement
The conference included sessions aimed at engaging broader audiences, such as a public lecture on “The Future of Diplomacy in the Digital Age” by Sabrina Medeiros (Lusófona University Lisbon). Additionally, Saoirse McGilligan (University of St. Andrews) and Theo Poward (Leeds Church Institute) led a workshop on ethics in international research, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in global studies.
Impact and Future Directions
BISA 2026 underscored the growing role of academic institutions in shaping global policy debates. The association, which has organized annual conferences since 1978, reported increased participation from early-career researchers and interdisciplinary teams. “This year’s conference reflects a shift toward more collaborative and applied research,” said BISA President Dr. Emma Ashford.
The event also highlighted the importance of open-access publishing, with E-IR urging attendees to support initiatives that democratize scholarly resources. A donation drive was launched to fund new open-access titles, as noted in E-IR’s promotional materials.
What’s Next for BISA?
Following 2026, BISA plans to expand its outreach through virtual events and partnerships with global think tanks. The association’s 2027 conference is expected to focus on “Global South Perspectives in International Studies,” according to a BISA spokesperson.
For updates on future events, visit the BISA website or follow the organization on social media.