HSRC Annual Conference 2026

About the Conference

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Annual Conference 2026 brings together scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, civil society organisations, and thought leaders to explore one of the defining questions of our time: how digital technologies are reshaping society. Artificial intelligence, data systems, digital platforms, and emerging technologies are transforming the way knowledge is produced, economies are organised, institutions are governed, and citizens participate in public life. While these developments present new opportunities for innovation and social progress, they also raise important questions about ethics, power, inequality, democracy, labour, and human agency.

Under the theme “The Age of Digitality and the Future of Society”, the conference seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on how societies can navigate digital transformation in ways that advance inclusion, justice, dignity, and sustainable development.

The conference places particular emphasis on African and Global South perspectives, recognising the importance of locally grounded knowledge, digital sovereignty, and alternative pathways to technological development. The HSRC Annual Conference aims to establish a platform for intellectual exchange, policy engagement, and collaborative research on the societal implications of digital transformation.

Conference Questions

The conference seeks to address the following questions:

  • How is knowledge being transformed in the age of digitality?
  • What are the ethical and social implications of digital systems and emerging technologies?
  • How do we address digital inequality, exclusion, and technological divides?
  • How can digital technologies strengthen democratic governance and public participation?
  • What forms of regulation and accountability are needed in the age of artificial intelligence?
  • How can societies ensure that technological advancement contributes to human wellbeing and social justice?
  • What role should the humanities and social sciences play in shaping digital futures?
  • How can Africa and the Global South contribute alternative pathways to digital development and innovation?

Thematic Areas

The conference welcomes contributions aligned with, but not limited to, the following nine thematic areas:

1. Rethinking Knowledge Production in the Age of AI

Exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming research, scholarship, creativity, and knowledge systems.

2. Digital Humanities and African Knowledge Systems

Examining the intersection of digital technologies, indigenous knowledge, heritage, language, and culture.

3. Communication, Digital Publics, and Society

Investigating digital media, online communities, information ecosystems, and public discourse.

4. Ethics, Power, and Accountability in AI

Addressing ethical challenges, algorithmic bias, governance frameworks, and responsible innovation.

5. Data, Infrastructure, and Sovereignty

Exploring data governance, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty in Africa.

6. The Future of Work, Education, and Scholarship

Examining the impact of technological change on labour markets, education systems, skills development, and academic work.

7. Democracy and Digital Society

Investigating digital citizenship, democratic participation, governance, and the regulation of digital spaces.

8. Digital Inequality and Social Justice

Addressing issues of access, exclusion, inequality, and the social consequences of technological transformation.

9. Global South Pathways and Alternative Digital Futures

Exploring alternative models of digital development, innovation, and governance from African and Global South perspectives.

Call for Abstracts and Papers

The HSRC invites scholars, researchers, postgraduate students, policymakers, practitioners, and professionals to submit abstracts and papers for presentation at the HSRC Annual Conference 2026. We welcome theoretical, empirical, methodological, policy-oriented, and interdisciplinary contributions that engage with the conference theme and thematic areas.

Submissions from emerging scholars and postgraduate students are particularly encouraged. Selected papers may be considered for publication in an edited volume, special journal issue, conference proceedings, or policy brief series.

Submission Guidelines

Abstracts

Abstracts should:

  • Be between 250 and 300 words
  • Clearly state the research problem, objectives, methodology, and key findings or arguments
  • Include the title of the paper
  • Identify the relevant conference theme
  • Include up to five keywords
  • Include the author’s name, affiliation, position, and contact details

Full Papers

Full papers should:

  • Be between 5,000 and 8,000 words
  • Academic referencing style (specific HSRC style guide will be shared)
  • Be submitted in Microsoft Word format
  • Include an abstract and keywords
  • Present original and unpublished work

Key dates

  • Abstract submission deadline: 15 July 2026
  • Notification of acceptance: 20 July 2026
  • Full paper submission: 15 August 2026
  • Final programme release: 10 September 2026
  • Conference: 15-16 September 2026

For questions and submissions of your abstract, please send to HSSConference2026@hsrc.ac.za