Oxford Migration Conference 2026: Call for Abstracts at the University of Oxford

The Oxford Migration Studies Society (OMSS) has announced the Oxford Migration Conference 2026, an international academic event focused on the theme “Migration, Justice, and the Making of Futures.”

The conference will take place on **5–6 June 2026 at the University of Oxford in Oxford, United Kingdom, with both in-person and hybrid participation options.

The event will bring together scholars, researchers, activists, artists, and practitioners from around the world to explore new perspectives on migration, justice, and the future of displaced communities.

Conference Theme

The 2026 conference explores how migrants, refugees, and displaced communities reimagine justice, care, and collective futures in a time of increasing political hostility toward migration.

The conference aims to examine questions such as:

• How can societies imagine more just futures for migrants?
• What alternative models of justice and care can support migrant communities?
• How can migration research contribute to policy and social change?

Participants are encouraged to present innovative research and creative work that contributes to new understandings of migration and justice.

Who Can Apply

The conference welcomes submissions from individuals working across different disciplines and professional backgrounds.

Eligible applicants include:

• Academic researchers and scholars
• Graduate and undergraduate students
• Policy practitioners
• Activists and community organizers
• Artists and creative practitioners

The organizers encourage interdisciplinary contributions from fields such as migration studies, sociology, anthropology, politics, law, literature, and cultural studies.

Types of Submissions

Applicants may submit proposals presenting different forms of research and creative work.

Accepted formats include:

• Academic research papers
• Ongoing research projects
• Documentary films
• Poetry and creative works
• Interdisciplinary presentations

This diverse format allows participants to explore migration from both academic and artistic perspectives.

Abstract Submission Requirements

Prospective participants must submit a short proposal describing their work.

Submission guidelines include:

• Abstract length: Maximum 250 words
• Submission deadline: 13 March 2026 at 12:00 PM GMT
• Format: Online submission

The selection committee will review all proposals and construct an interdisciplinary conference program.

Publication Opportunity

Applicants may also choose to have their work considered for publication in a special issue of Routed magazine, an online publication focused on migration and mobility studies.

Important note:

• Applicants may apply for both conference presentation and publication consideration
• However, selected applicants may only be accepted for one of the two opportunities

All applicants will be notified of the results shortly after the submission deadline.

Conference Format

The conference will be conducted as a hybrid event, allowing both in-person and virtual participation.

Key details:

• Event dates: 5–6 June 2026
• Location: University of Oxford
• Format: Hybrid (in-person and online participation)

This format ensures broader accessibility for participants worldwide.

Commitment to Accessibility

As a student-led organization, the Oxford Migration Studies Society aims to promote inclusive participation.

Applicants facing barriers such as financial limitations, administrative challenges, or accessibility concerns are encouraged to apply. The organizers will attempt to accommodate participants whenever possible.

Final Thoughts

The Oxford Migration Conference 2026 offers an important platform for scholars and practitioners to explore the future of migration and justice. By bringing together interdisciplinary voices and diverse perspectives, the conference aims to foster meaningful dialogue and innovative research on migrant futures.

Researchers, activists, and creative thinkers interested in migration issues are encouraged to submit their abstracts before the deadline and contribute to this global discussion.