DSAI Annual Conference 2027: The Future of Development Studies

The Future of Development Studies: Strengthening Solidarity and Development Cooperation in an Era of Conflict and Crises The Development Studies Association Ireland Annual Conference 2027 will bring together researchers, educators, practitioners, policymakers, activists, early career researchers and postgraduate students to consider the future of development studies in an era of conflict and crises. After over fifty years of development studies internationally and in Ireland, the 2027 DSAI Annual Conference will reflect on the field's current strengths and challenges and, most importantly, on its future. In a moment defined by threats to democracy, multilateralism, equality, human rights, and development cooperation, the conference will ask: what role can development studies play in strengthening solidarity and building more equitable and sustainable global relationships? How are development educators and researchers responding to the challenges faced by NGOs, civil society and policy makers in the wake of devastating cuts to development and aid budgets, shifting power dynamics, and the emergence of new actors in global development? The conference will support participants to critically question understandings of development challenges and solutions at the heart of development studies itself, reflecting on what's working well, what needs to be unlearned or reimagined, and how development studies can situate itself more meaningfully and effectively in the future. Full programme details will be announced closer to the conference. Conference details Dates: Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 January 2027 Venue: Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland Format: In person The conference is primarily an in-person event. In exceptional circumstances, approved international presenters may be permitted to present online. Registration fees Standard registration: €150 Funded PhD researchers and staff without access to institutional conference funding: €75 Self-funded PhD researchers, unwaged or retired participants + Online presenters: €30 Bursaries A limited number of bursaries of up to €250 are available to support attendance at the conference. Enquiries For questions about the conference or registration, please email [email protected]. Read more about the conference on the DSAI website.