The British Institute of International & Comparative Law (BIICL) and the Society of Legal Scholars (SLS) International Law Section have invited abstracts for their annual joint workshop titled “The Daily Life of International Law.” The workshop will be held on 29 October 2026 at Charles Clore House, Russell Square, London, in a hybrid format.
The organisers are particularly interested in exploring how international law affects everyday life, often in ways that remain outside mainstream discussions of international law.
About the Workshop
International law has a direct impact on individuals and communities. While its influence is often discussed in areas such as human rights, international trade, diplomacy, peace and security, its role extends much further into ordinary daily activities.
International law can shape everyday experiences in areas such as food, water, transportation, supermarkets, domestic courts and cross-border activities. The workshop will examine these less visible connections and consider how international law becomes part of everyday life.
The organisers also seek to explore the opportunities and challenges created by treating international law as a lived, everyday reality.
Themes for Abstracts
Researchers may submit abstracts addressing a broad range of topics connected with the theme of the workshop.
Possible areas include the relationship between international law and disciplines such as history, sociology, psychology and linguistics.
Submissions may also examine how international law affects everyday life through human rights, the laws of war, refugee law and international economic law.
Other possible topics include the less visible impact of international law on everyday activities, including the regulation of food, water and other aspects of daily life.
The workshop also welcomes research examining practical difficulties created by international law texts when they are implemented domestically in areas such as criminal law and family law.
Researchers may further consider the everyday experiences of people working in international law or international organisations, initiatives designed to increase public awareness of international law, and the role of everyday international law in the teaching of international law.
Abstract Submission
Interested researchers are required to submit an abstract of no more than 500 words along with a short biography of no more than 150 words.
The submissions should be sent to Dr Jean-Pierre Gauci and Dr Solon Solomon by 10 September 2026.
The subject line of the email should read:
“SLS Workshop – Abstract”
Successful applicants will be notified by the end of September 2026.
Event Details
Event: Annual BIICL and SLS International Law Section Joint Workshop
Theme: The Daily Life of International Law
Date: 29 October 2026
Venue: Charles Clore House, Russell Square, London
Format: Hybrid
In-person attendance is strongly encouraged, while online participation will be available for researchers who are unable to attend in London.
Who Can Submit?
The call is particularly relevant to researchers and academics working in international law and related areas who have research examining the practical, social or everyday dimensions of international law.
The broad theme allows submissions connecting international law with other disciplines and fields of domestic law, making the workshop relevant to researchers working across different areas of legal scholarship.
Important Dates
Abstract Deadline: 10 September 2026
Abstract Length: Maximum 500 words
Biography: Maximum 150 words
Notification of Successful Applicants: By the end of September 2026
Workshop: 29 October 2026
Researchers interested in exploring how international law operates beyond treaties, courts and diplomatic settings can consider submitting their work for this London-based hybrid workshop.
