7th International Scientific Conference on Social Sciences (ISCS 2026)

Theme: “Social Work in a Changing World: Equity, Resilience & Transformation”

Venue: Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana, Albania

Dates: May 13–14, 2026 (Hybrid: In-person & Online)

About the Conference

The Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tirana, in partnership with “Aleksandër Xhuvani” University, Elbasan, “Luigj Gurakuqi” University, Shkodra, and UNICEF, proudly announces the 7th International Scientific Conference on Social Sciences (ISCS 2026).

Today, as wars, crises, and global uncertainties reshape our societies, the role of social work becomes more vital than ever before. Conflicts, forced migration, economic disruptions, pandemics, and environmental emergencies challenge the very fabric of communities, demanding urgent and coordinated responses.

This conference is not only a platform to reflect on these complex realities, but also a call to reimagine and strengthen our profession—promoting equity, advancing human rights, fostering resilience, and leading transformative change. By bringing together diverse voices, knowledge, and experiences, we aim to chart pathways that empower individuals and communities while contributing to a more just and sustainable world.

Participants from across the globe are warmly invited to share their insights, innovations, and research. Submissions are welcome in various formats, including papers, posters, workshops, and research presentations.

Conference Sub-Themes

1. Reclaiming and Reimagining Social Work Practice

• Post-colonial challenges and colonial continuities in social development
• Global inequities, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Culture, religion, and spirituality in social work
• Empowerment and community resilience
• Strengthening the social service workforce

2. Social Work Education, Pedagogy, and Research

• Innovating and reconfiguring curricula to meet global challenges
• Co-creation in education and field practice
• Inter-professional collaboration, mentorship, and supervision
• Lifelong learning and professional development
• Innovative and Indigenous research methods
• Bridging the North–South divide in publishing
• Democratising knowledge in social work education

3. Social Work and Social Welfare Across the Lifespan

• Strengthening families and safeguarding vulnerable populations
• Intergenerational solidarity and youth/elder participation
• Universal social protection frameworks
• Poverty, inequality, and social justice
• Ethical dilemmas and human rights
• Intersectionality and lived experiences
• Participatory approaches in social work

4. Social Work and Sustainable Development

• Advancing the UN 2030 Agenda and SDGs
• Inclusive and resilient communities
• Climate change, eco-social work, and green economies
• Food security and sustainable livelihoods
• Gender equality and women’s empowerment
• Social work in education and criminal justice systems
• Rural social innovation and transformative policies

5. Clinical Social Work, Health, and Wellbeing

• Mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in crises
• Substance abuse, addiction, and recovery pathways
• Disability, rehabilitation, and inclusive health technologies
• Patient advocacy, medical ethics, and holistic healthcare
• Digital health era & medical tourism
• Training, burnout prevention, and self-care

6. Social Work Practice in the Face of Global Challenges

• Globalisation, systemic inequalities, and economic transitions
• Migration, refugee crises, and labour mobility
• Human trafficking and exploitation
• Violence against women, children, and vulnerable groups
• Conflict, post-conflict, and humanitarian interventions
• Environmental disasters and emergencies
• Lessons from the post-COVID world

7. Social Movements, Political Social Work, and Democratic Societies

• Governance, politics, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution
• Social movements, activism, and youth participation
• Cross-cultural coalitions and global policy shaping
• Citizen empowerment and political engagement
• Media, technology, and social narratives
• Models of welfare in democratic societies

8. Digital Social Work, Innovation, and the Future

• Artificial intelligence, digital ethics, and social work
• Digital divides, algorithmic bias, and inequality
• Technology-mediated interventions
• Data privacy, informed consent, and digital literacy
• Online counselling and tele-assistance
• Digital service delivery and supervision
• Preparing practitioners for digital futures

Submission Guidelines for Abstracts & Proceedings

Presentation Formats

• Oral Presentations: 15–20 minutes + Q&A
• Symposia: 3–4 related papers with chair-led discussion
• Workshops: 60–90 minutes, interactive
• Poster Presentations
• Roundtables & Youth Dialogues
• Flash Talks / Digital Presentations: 5–7 minutes

Abstract Requirements

• Length: 250–300 words
• Language: English
• Format: Word document (TNR, 12 pt)
• Include title, authors, affiliation, email, 4–5 keywords

Submission Process

• Submit via email to: [conference email address]
• Indicate preferred format and sub-theme
• Up to two submissions per participant

Publication

• Accepted abstracts → Book of Abstracts (ISBN)
• Selected full papers → Conference Proceedings (ISBN, open-access)

Important Dates

• Abstract submission deadline: March 31, 2026
• Notification of acceptance: May 10, 2026
• Conference dates: May 13–14, 2026
• Full paper submission: June 5, 2026
• Proceedings publication: July 25, 2026

Guidance for the Conference Proceedings

Authors whose abstracts are accepted and presented at ISCS 2026 are invited to submit a full paper for publication.

• Deadline: June 5, 2026
• Publication: July 25, 2026
• Format: DOC/DOCX
• Length: 5,000–6,000 words (incl. references)
• Style: APA 7th edition
• Font & Spacing: Times New Roman 12 pt, 1.5 spacing
• Include tables/figures with captions inside text
• Clear, coherent, inclusive language