Global Scholars to Gather at Heriot-Watt University Dubai
Heriot-Watt University Dubai will host the inaugural Social Capital 2026 conference from 26–28 March 2026, bringing together leading academics, practitioners, and policymakers from across the globe. Organised by the International Social Capital Association (ISCA), the event will launch a new international platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on the role of social capital in shaping resilient and thriving societies.
World-Renowned Keynote Speakers
The conference will feature three of the most influential voices in the field:
- Professor Robert D. Putnam (Harvard University) – Author of landmark works including Bowling Alone and The Upswing, Putnam has redefined global understanding of civic engagement, trust, and community life. He received the 2012 National Humanities Medal from former US President Barack Obama.
- Professor Raj Chetty (Harvard University) – Director of Opportunity Insights and one of the youngest ever tenured professors at Harvard. His pioneering work on inequality and social mobility has won the MacArthur Genius Fellowship and the John Bates Clark Medal, among other honours.
- Professor Beate Völker (VU Amsterdam University) – Scientific Director of the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR). Her research on networks, trust, and inclusion has shaped modern sociology, earning her the prestigious Simmel Award from INSNA.
Together, these thought leaders will explore how trust, networks, and relationships form the foundation of resilient communities and how social capital can shape democracy, drive opportunity, and foster social cohesion.
Voices from the Conference
Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, said:
“We are honoured to welcome such distinguished voices to the inaugural Social Capital 2026 conference. This gathering offers a rare chance to learn directly from some of the most influential thinkers shaping this field. We look forward to welcoming academics and practitioners from around the world, whose perspectives and research will enrich the dialogue and help shape stronger, more connected societies.”
Professor Robert D. Putnam added:
“I am delighted to join the Social Capital 2026 conference as a keynote speaker. At a time when we are more digitally connected than ever, it is human connection that really sustains our societies. This conference offers a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of how trust and relationships can strengthen communities globally.”
Tristan Claridge, Director of the Institute of Social Capital, said:
“This conference will bring together the world’s leading scholars, practitioners, and policymakers on social capital, creating a unique global platform for collaboration. Social Capital 2026 is not only about understanding the world as it is, but about shaping the role of social capital in creating a more connected and resilient future.”
Call for Abstracts
Alongside keynote addresses, the programme will include workshops, panel discussions, and academic presentations. Researchers are invited to submit abstracts on topics such as:
- Civic engagement and community development
- Inequality, mobility, and transnational solidarity
- Trust, safety, and social networks
- Education, policy, and the role of knowledge systems
This platform offers scholars a prestigious opportunity to share their research, engage with global experts, and network across disciplines including sociology, economics, political science, and public policy.
Abstract submissions are now open.
Event Details
📅 When: 26–28 March 2026
📍 Where: Heriot-Watt University Dubai
🎓 Hosted by: International Social Capital Association (ISCA)
About Social Capital 2026 Conference
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 highly anticipated event will serve as a platform to explore the evolving role of social capital in diverse contexts, ranging from economic development and governance to community resilience and digital transformation.
About Heriot-Watt University Dubai
As the first British university to set up a campus in Dubai in 2005, Heriot-Watt University Dubai established itself as a pioneer in the higher education market in the UAE. The University’s reputation for world-class teaching and practical, cutting-edge research, combined with its strong links to business and industry, has seen it attract a thriving population of undergraduate and postgraduate students over the last two decades. It offers an extensive range of programmes, distributed across six academic Schools. Heriot-Watt graduates are highly employable and sought after by the best organisations worldwide, seeing over 90% of alumni taking graduate-level jobs or further study within six months of graduation.
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Further Reading:
- Heriot-Watt University Expands its Presence at Dubai Knowledge Park
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai Marks 20 Years of Building the Future Workforce in the UAE