This conference brought bring together leading scholars, experts, and stakeholders for three days of insightful discussions, groundbreaking research presentations, and collaborative networking opportunities.
Thank you for joining us for Social Capital 2026!
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who made this conference possible. With 544 attendees and 199 speakers, this event was a remarkable collective achievement—one that reflects not only the scale of participation, but the depth of engagement and quality of contributions across the program.
To our speakers, thank you for sharing your ideas, research, and perspectives with such generosity and rigor. To our attendees, thank you for your active participation, thoughtful questions, and commitment to advancing the conversation. And to our chairs, reviewers, and supporters behind the scenes, your efforts ensured the smooth delivery of a rich and diverse program.
This conference has been a powerful demonstration of what is possible when a global community comes together around shared intellectual purpose. We are deeply grateful for your involvement and look forward to continuing the conversation.
We also look forward to welcoming you in person from March 18–20, 2027.
ISCA2026 Organising Committee
Professor Dame Heather McGregor
Heriot-Watt University
Tristan Claridge
Institute for Social Capital
Jacob Spanke
International Social Capital Association
Dr Clemens Mielke
Heriot-Watt University
Meet Our Keynote Speakers
Our keynote speakers are internationally recognised for their groundbreaking research and practical contributions to the field. They will share fresh insights, challenge assumptions, and inspire new ways of thinking about trust, networks, and the social fabric that underpins resilient societies.
Robert D. Putnam
Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University
Raj Chetty
Professor of Economics at Harvard University
Beate Völker
Professor of Sociology at Utrecht University
Michael Woolcock
Lead Social Scientist in the World Bank's Development Research Group
Martin Everett
Professor of Social Network Analysis at the University of Manchester
David Krackhardt
Professor of Organizations at Carnegie Mellon University
Frances Kraft
Director of Research and Practice at the Foundation for Social Connection
Shamichael Hallman
Senior Director of Civic Health and Economic Opportunity at the Urban Libraries Council
Conference Thematic Streams
Social Capital 2026 brings together leading thinkers and practitioners from around the world to explore the power and potential of social capital in today’s complex and interconnected world.
We have identified 12 thematic streams to provide structure and focus to the conference, helping to organise the program around key areas of interest within the broad and interdisciplinary field of social capital.
We warmly welcome all submissions that contribute to advancing the understanding or application of social capital, regardless of their alignment with a specific stream.
