The Social Capital 2026 conference is an important event for the field of social capital. Please help promote the conference by sharing it with your colleagues and networks.
Below is a collection of materials that you are welcome to use to promote the conference.
Invitation
Poster
Social Media Images
Social Media Drafts
Logos
Thematic Streams
Join us for Social Capital 2026!
We are delighted to invite researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and professionals from around the world to attend Social Capital 2026 at Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Campus, in the dynamic city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
As the inaugural global conference dedicated to social capital, Social Capital 2026 will bring together leading scholars, experts, and stakeholders for three days of insightful discussions, groundbreaking research presentations, and collaborative networking opportunities. This much-anticipated event will serve as a platform to explore the evolving role of social capital in diverse contexts, from economic development and governance to community resilience and digital transformation.
We invite you to submit abstracts across our ten thematic streams, covering topics such as health, democracy, resilience, digital networks, sustainability, education, migration, and more.
Submission deadline extended to: October 3, 2025, at 6 PM GMT
The conference will be hosted at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, offering excellent facilities in a modern and accessible campus environment. Dubai’s central global location ensures that scholars and practitioners from around the world can join us with ease.
Please feel free to forward this invitation to your colleagues, departments, and networks. We look forward to your contributions and to welcoming you to what promises to be a vibrant and memorable conference.
Download a poster detailing the event for emailing or printing.
Download any of the following images to add to your own posts on social media about the event.
Social Media Draft
I’m looking forward to attending #SocialCapital2026, the first international conference focused exclusively on social capital research.
The event will bring together scholars from various disciplines to exchange ideas on trust, networks, civic engagement, and social cohesion — topics that are increasingly relevant across the social sciences.
Keynote speakers include Robert D. Putnam, Beate Voelker and Raj Chetty, whose work has deeply shaped how we understand social capital and opportunity.
I’m excited to learn, connect, and contribute to this growing field. More information and registration:socialcapital2026.com
Subject: SocialCapital2026 – Global Conference on Social Capital (March 26–28, 2026)
Dear colleagues,
We’re excited to share news of SocialCapital2026, the first international conference fully dedicated to social capital, taking place March 26–28, 2026, at Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
Organized by the International Social Capital Association (ISCA), the event will bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from across the globe to exchange insights and foster new collaborations.
Keynote Speakers The conference will feature keynote addresses by three of the most influential figures in the field: 🔹 Prof. Robert D. Putnam, author of Bowling Alone and leading voice on civic decline and community 🔹 Prof. Raj Chetty, whose groundbreaking work links social networks to economic mobility and opportunity
🔹 Prof. Beate Völker, a prominent sociologist known for her influential work on social networks, urban trust, and the microfoundations of social capital
Conference Streams SocialCapital2026 will be organized around diverse thematic streams that highlight the interdisciplinary nature of social capital research, including:
Health, Wellbeing, and Human Flourishing
Governance, Democracy, and Institutional Trust
Theory and Measurement of Social Capital
Community Resilience, Preparedness, and Disaster Recovery
Environment, Sustainability, and Climate Change
Economics
Entrepreneurship
Economic Mobility
Social Capital in the Age of AI
Education, Learning, and Knowledge Systems
Mobility, Migration, and Transnational Solidarity
Agriculture, Rural, and Community Development
Whether you’re working on grassroots initiatives, empirical measurement, theoretical frameworks, or policy impact — there’s a space for your work.
Why Dubai? Dubai is a global hub where cultures, ideas, and disciplines meet. With world-class infrastructure, excellent international connectivity, and a liberal visa policy, Dubai offers the ideal setting to host a truly international gathering. March is also one of the best times to visit: warm, sunny, and perfect for combining academic exchange with cultural exploration.
Key Dates 📥 Deadline for submission of abstracts extended to: October 3, 2025 🎫 Early-bird registration until January 23, 2026
The first international conference dedicated exclusively to social capital will bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world. It is organized by the International Social Capital Association (ISCA).
Keynote Speakers:
Robert D. Putnam (Harvard University) – leading social capital theorist
Raj Chetty (Harvard University) – economics of opportunity and networks
Beate Völker (University of Hamburg) – social networks and urban communities
Download any of the following images to add to your own posts on social media about the event.