Nordic Conference on Civil Society Studies

The conference rotates between the Nordic countries and is open to all researchers working on contemporary civil society in European societies. It is our aim that the conference will facilitate quality academic discussions on contemporary civil society in European societies. 

Call for Papers

We are looking for papers that cover a broad range of topics, including but not limited to studies on engagement and volunteering, organization and mobilization, cross-sector collaboration and co-production, social movements and NGOs, power and resource inequalities between civil society actors, as well as advocacy and philanthropic actors and activities. Papers may be theoretical or empirical in nature.

Abstract of no more than 500 words (not including references) must include:

• A working title
• A statement of the empirical or theoretical concern
• A short summary locating the concern within a wider literature
• A concise account of the empirical or theoretical methodological approach
• The main arguments of the paper and an indication of the supporting evidence
• A statement of the main conclusions and their relevance to an international audience.

Deadline for abstract submissions and registration: 23 February 2026. 

Important dates

• Abstract and registration: 23/2
• Confirmation of abstract and registration: 6/3
• Paper deadline: 13/4
• Conference: 23-24/4

Registration

Deadline for registration and abstract submission: 23 February 2026. (Registration form will appear here.)
Note, if you do not present a paper, be prepared to comment on a paper presented.

Best wishes, 
The local organising committee (Håkan, Roberto, Anna, Malin, Kajsa, Moira and Pelle)

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Håkan Johansson (hakan [dot] Johansson [at] soch [dot] lu [dot] se (hakan[dot]Johansson[at]soch[dot]lu[dot]se)).