Early Career Symposium 2026-
Forging Connections: Early Career Voices on Poverty and Social Justice
6 May 2026, University of Oxford
Submission deadline: 1 March 2026
We welcome submissions for an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral symposium that brings together early career individuals in academia, public services, civil society, and activism working at the intersections of poverty and social justice. Through keynotes, presentations, and workshops, the event will highlight innovative early career work while recognising that wellbeing and care are essential to sustaining meaningful careers. Together, we will explore the challenges and possibilities of early career life in justice-focused fields — and build networks of solidarity for the future.
We invite work related, but not limited, to the following topics:
Poverty and social justice in research, practice, and activism
Cross-sector engagement across academia, policy, and civil society
Structural and emotional challenges faced at the early career stage
Wellbeing, support, and collaboration for sustainable careers
Participants can join in two categories:
Presenter: We invite abstract submissions for 15-minute presentations. Presenters are expected to attend in-person.
Audience member: You may also join us as an attendee without presenting. Attendance in-person is limited, so please register only if you can attend. You may also attend online.
We are committed to making this event accessible. If you do not have access to funding or require support for travel or other access needs, please get in touch with the organiser on freya.colenorton@law.ox.ac.uk and we will try to support you.
The application deadline is the 1 March 2026.
Tea and coffee will be available during the day, and lunch will be provided.
To access the Google Form and apply, please click HERE.
We look forward to welcoming you to Oxford for a day of insight, inspiration, and solidarity.
Submission FAQs
What is an abstract submission?
- An abstract submission is a brief summary you send to organisers to propose your talk for inclusion in an event. Just include a short outline of what you will talk about, and why it is important.
Do I need to pay to attend?
No. Attendance is free, and catering is provided for in-person delegates.
Is there funding support for travel or access needs?
Yes. Limited funds are available to support travel costs or access needs. Please contact the organiser.
Do I have to attend in-person to present?
Presenters are strongly encouraged to attend in person to facilitate dialogue and networking. Limited online presentation slots may be considered in some cases.
What counts as ‘early career’?
We take a flexible view: open to all who identify as early-career with regards to their current field.
What disciplines or sectors are welcome?
The symposium is deliberately interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral. We value contributions from all sectors.
Do I need to have results/findings to present?
Not at all. We welcome work-in-progress, reflections from practice, and creative approaches. The aim is to share ideas and foster dialogue, not just to present on finished projects.
How are abstracts reviewed?
Abstracts will be reviewed by the symposium organiser against criteria (relevance, clarity, originality, and cross-sectoral contribution).
What is the format of the day?
The symposium will feature keynote talks on topics of poverty, social justice and early career wellbeing, 15-minute delegate presentations followed by 15-minutes for questions/discussion, and workshops dedicated to developing a sustainable early career network. There will also be time for networking.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. There is step-free access, accessible toilets, and quiet spaces. Please indicate any specific access needs on the application form.
Will the symposium outputs be published?
Yes. Presentations and contributions may be profiled in a blog series, podcasts, or a published report (with your consent and input).
Who can I contact with further questions?
freya.colenorton@law.ox.ac.uk