Northumbria University has invited abstracts for the Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA) Conference 2027. The call for papers is open to researchers, academicians, doctoral scholars and other individuals working in socio-legal studies.
Interested participants can submit abstracts of up to 250 words through the Oxford Abstracts submission platform. The last date for submitting abstracts is 3 December 2026.
The conference will be conducted primarily in person. The organisers have also provided information about bursaries and reasonable adjustments for eligible participants who may face barriers to attending physically.
About the SLSA Conference 2027
The SLSA Conference provides an academic platform for discussing research that examines the relationship between law and society.
The conference welcomes papers that engage with socio-legal questions and fit within its designated research streams and current topics.
Researchers are encouraged to select the most appropriate conference stream for their proposed paper. Abstracts will be assessed according to their relevance to socio-legal studies, their suitability for the selected stream and academic considerations.
Need Help With Your PhD or LLM Thesis?
Explore our thesis and dissertation writing support services for PhD and LLM students. Get subject-specific academic assistance for your research project.
Explore Our Services →Who Can Submit Abstracts?
The call for abstracts is relevant to academics, researchers, doctoral scholars and other individuals undertaking socio-legal research.
Applicants must prepare an abstract that clearly explains their proposed research and its connection to the selected conference stream or current topic.
Each delegate may be named in a maximum of two paper submissions.
Researchers wishing to organise a Special Session outside the existing SLSA streams and current topics may contact the organising committee separately.
Abstract Submission Guidelines
Applicants must prepare an abstract of no more than 250 words and submit it through Oxford Abstracts.
The abstract should identify the proposed paper’s research focus and demonstrate its relevance to socio-legal scholarship.
Candidates must use the appropriate submission form for their intended contribution. The organisers have separate forms for papers and posters, and the same abstract cannot be submitted under both categories.
The organisers have expressly stated that AI must not be used to generate abstracts. Where there is evidence that an abstract has been generated using AI, the submission will be rejected.
Applicants should therefore prepare their abstracts independently and follow the conference’s academic submission requirements.
Important Dates and Deadlines
The final deadline for submitting abstracts is Thursday, 3 December 2026.
Applicants who submit their abstracts by 29 October 2026 will receive a decision by 12 November 2026.
Those who submit after 29 October 2026 will receive a decision by 14 January 2027.
Candidates whose abstracts are accepted must complete conference registration by 12 February 2027.
Conference Participation and Online Presentation
The SLSA Conference 2027 is an in-person academic event, and participants are generally expected to present their papers physically.
However, the organisers recognise that some participants may face difficulties attending due to disabilities, long-term health conditions or caring responsibilities.
Eligible participants may request permission to present their papers online as a reasonable adjustment. Such requests must be made during the abstract submission process.
Where approved, participants will receive a Microsoft Teams link to deliver their presentations remotely.
The conference is not a hybrid event, and participation in other conference activities through online access cannot be guaranteed.
Conference Bursaries and Registration Fees
The organisers have indicated that bursaries are available through the SLSA, with further information provided on the conference website.
However, participants who receive permission to present online as a reasonable adjustment will not receive a reduction in the conference registration fee solely on that basis.
Applicants interested in financial assistance should review the bursary guidelines and eligibility requirements available through the official conference website.
Publication of Conference Papers
The organisers have clarified that acceptance of an abstract does not result in publication.
The SLSA Conference does not facilitate the publication of papers. Acceptance allows the researcher to present the selected work at the conference, subject to registration and other participation requirements.
How to Submit an Abstract
Interested applicants should visit the official Northumbria University conference webpage and follow the link to the Oxford Abstracts submission platform.
Candidates should select the relevant stream or current topic, prepare their abstract within the prescribed word limit and complete the appropriate submission form.
Official Conference Website: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/our-schools/northumbria-school-of-law/slsa-conference/submit-an-abstract/
For enquiries regarding Special Sessions, applicants may contact the organising committee at slsa2027@northumbria.ac.uk.
Applicants should ensure that their abstracts are submitted by 3 December 2026 and that all conference requirements are followed.
