Heriot-Watt University Dubai is set to host the Social Capital 2026 conference from March 26-28, 2026. This event will gather leading scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from across the globe to delve into the pivotal role social capital plays in fostering resilient and prosperous societies.
Organized by the International Social Capital Association (ISCA), the Social Capital 2026 conference marks its inaugural event, establishing a new global forum for research and dialogue on social capital. The conference will unite top academics, practitioners, and policymakers to advance understanding, practice, and policy in this field.
The conference will showcase an impressive lineup of keynote speakers whose groundbreaking research has influenced global discussions on human connection, community, and societal roles. Among them is the esteemed political scientist Robert D. Putnam, Peter and Isabel Malkin Professor of Public Policy, Emeritus at Harvard University. He is celebrated for his influential works such as “Making Democracy Work,” “Bowling Alone,” and “The Upswing.” His research has reshaped global perspectives on civic engagement, trust, and the evolution of community life, positioning social capital as a critical concept in policy and academia worldwide. Putnam was awarded the 2012 National Humanities Medal by former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Professor Robert D. Putnam
Also speaking is Raj Chetty, Professor of Economics at Harvard University and Director of Opportunity Insights, whose transformative work on inequality and social mobility has significantly impacted economic theory and public policy. Chetty has been honored with numerous accolades, including the MacArthur Genius Fellowship and the John Bates Clark Medal, two of the most esteemed awards in economics. He is among the youngest tenured professors in Harvard’s economics department history.
Another distinguished keynote speaker is Beate Völker, Professor of Sociology at VU Amsterdam University and Scientific Director of the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR). Völker’s work has enriched sociology by exploring networks, trust, and community cohesion, focusing on how social structures affect inclusion, safety, and well-being across various social contexts and over time. Beate Völker serves on the board of the journal Social Networks and has received the Simmel award from the International Network of Social Network Analysis (INSNA).
These three world-renowned thought leaders will discuss how social capital influences democracy, promotes economic opportunities, and reinforces social cohesion. Their insights will underscore the importance of trust, networks, and relationships as the foundation of resilient societies.
Professor Dame Heather McGregor
Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice-Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, stated, “We are privileged to host such eminent voices at the inaugural Social Capital 2026 conference. This event presents a unique opportunity to learn from the most influential thinkers in this field. We eagerly anticipate welcoming global academics and practitioners whose viewpoints and research will enhance the dialogue, fostering stronger, more connected societies.”
Professor Robert D. Putnam commented, “I am thrilled to participate in the Social Capital 2026 conference as a keynote speaker. In an era of digital connectivity, it is human connection that truly sustains our societies. This conference offers an unparalleled chance to deepen our understanding of trust and relationships’ global impact on communities.”
Tristan Claridge, Director of the Institute of Social Capital, remarked, “This conference will convene the world’s foremost scholars, practitioners, and policymakers on social capital, establishing a unique global platform for collaboration. Social Capital 2026 serves as a global stage for sharing, challenging, and refining ideas about social capital. It’s about understanding the current world and shaping social capital’s role in crafting a more connected, resilient future.”
Besides keynote speeches, the conference will feature workshops, panel discussions, and presentations from academics and practitioners worldwide. For researchers, the conference offers a prestigious venue to present their work, engage with leading scholars, and connect across disciplines like sociology, economics, political science, and public policy.
Abstract submissions are now open, inviting contributions on themes such as civic engagement, mobility, transnational solidarity, community development, and the significance of education and knowledge systems. Exploring these topics will foster meaningful dialogue and create opportunities for collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with shared interests.
Visit https://www.socialcapital2026.com/abstract-submission/ to submit your abstracts.
