About the conference
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.
This is your opportunity to expand your knowledge, collaborate with fellow academics and practitioners, and connect with leading publishers and editors. Known for its inclusive, friendly atmosphere, BISA welcomes everyone, from seasoned experts to curious newcomers. You don’t have to be presenting a paper to attend – all are welcome.
In Belfast, the location for our 50th anniversary conference in 2025, you'll find fascinating walking, bus and taxi tours, cultural escapes, scientific exhibitions and literary inspirations. Not to mention the superb shopping, beautiful landmarks and top-class entertainment.
01 Conference programme
View the draft conference programme to find panels that interest you, or to check when you’re presenting.
The programme is updated in real time and will always be the latest version. If you’d like to view it as a pdf, you can use the print to pdf function. You can also search for keywords or your name by using 'Ctrl' and 'f' to find what you’re looking for. Where you see an asterisk on the programme, it means there is a co-author of a paper but they are not presenting.
Due to high demand and limited room availability, we are unable to accommodate requests to reschedule panels and/or presentations.
You can also view a full list of speakers.
02 Conference highlights
- Three days of inspiring, provocative and diverse panels and roundtables
- Keynote lecture by Professor Roland Bleiker
- Public lecture given by Professor Cythia Enloe on 'What feminists reveal when they investigate masculinities: The case of military 'manpower''. The public lecture is organised in partnership with the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for Global Peace, Security and Justice, the Centre for Gender in Politics and the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science at Queen’s University Belfast.
- Roundtable on gender, peace and security involving members of the Northern Women’s Coalition and feminist activists
- Conference reception on Wednesday 18 June at Titanic Belfast. Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience. The reception venue boasts stunning views of the Slipways and Belfast Lough, where the world famous liner was designed, built and launched. There’ll also be photo opportunities aplenty on the replica of the liner's Grand Staircase
- War Studies Working Group keynote address from Professor Michael Cox
- BISA at 50: reflecting on the discipline and profession of International Studies - A roundtable featuring past BISA Chairs including Barry Buzan, Chris Brown, Christopher Hill, Caroline Kennedy-Pipe, Richard Whitman and Ruth Blakeley, and chaired by Mark Webber.
- Social programme including a Postgraduate Network drinks and pizza evening, and an early-morning Belfast run.
- West Belfast walking tour at on Thursday and Friday at 1.30pm provided by Dead Centre Tours just for BISA delegates - Book now!
Social Sciences is an international, open access journal with rapid peer-review, which publishes works from a wide range of fields, including anthropology, criminology, economics, education, geography, history, law, linguistics, political science, psychology, social policy, social work, sociology and so on. Social Sciences is published monthly online by MDPI.
03 About Belfast
Discover the Titanic and Maritime heritage, Game of Thrones territory or take a road trip to find the wonders that lie beyond Belfast. Each area of Belfast has its own character and charm, and its own unique variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, museums and attractions. Located within walking distance of the conference you can find Belfast City Hall, Belfast Cathedral, The Dome, Ulster Museum and many more. Take a walking or taxi tour to see some of the main cultural and historical sites.
For a city the size of Belfast the choice of places to eat is surprising. Everything from fine dining, brasseries and bistros to gastro pubs, cafes, coffee shops and some of the best fish and chips around is available. You can discover delicious flavours and locally made products at one of Belfast’s top markets.
As the gateway to Northern Ireland, Belfast is perfectly positioned for sightseeing tours to Giant’s Causeway, Game of Thrones filming locations and road trips beyond Belfast.
The conference venues
The 2025 50th anniversary conference takes place at the Europa hotel in central Belfast, with additional rooms at Grand Central Hotel and The Assembly Rooms. The vast majority of activities - including panels, roundtables, the exhibitor hall and refreshment breaks - will be located at the Europa, and BISA will take over the entirety of their conference and public spaces. Some panels and roundtables will take place just a few minutes’ walk away at Grand Central and The Assembly Rooms.
All venues have WiFi and are fully accessible. The travel between venues is flat and suitable for wheelchairs. Hastings Hotels, the group of hotels of which the Europa and Grand Central are part, are committed to sustainability.
The Europa has a range of spaces to work independently or catch up with colleagues and friends when you aren’t attending panels. Step outside to find coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and a wealth of local attractions including museums and the arts.
04 Costs and bursaries
The BISA 2025 conference is competitively priced with up to 39% discount on the standard rate for BISA members. There are also significant discounts for early-career researchers, global south scholars and students.
05 Access and support
We are committed to providing all reasonable support to make our events accessible. We also promote equality, diversity and safety. Read our dedicated support, childcare and Code of Conduct pages for more information.
06 Reserve a meeting room
Are you a working group looking to book your AGM, or an exhibitor wanting to hold a reception? Let us know your room booking requirements using the link below. Rooms will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis so please complete the booking form as soon as possible.
We are grateful for funding from the Belfast and Northern Ireland Conference Subvention Scheme to help put on #BISA2025.