Heriot-Watt Dubai to host global social capital conference with keynote from Robert D. Putnam
Heriot-Watt University Dubai is set to host the inaugural Social Capital 2026 conference from 26 to 28 March 2026, establishing a new global platform for the exploration and advancement of social capital research. Organised by the International Social Capital Association (ISCA), this three-day event will convene leading academics, practitioners, and policymakers to examine how trust, networks, and social relationships underpin resilient communities and democratic societies worldwide.
The conference aims to dissect the multifaceted role of social capital in fostering economic opportunity, strengthening governance, and enhancing social cohesion. With its focus on the interplay between human connection and societal well-being, Social Capital 2026 seeks to elevate understanding and collaborative dialogue around the mechanisms that bind societies together. Tristan Claridge, Director of the Institute of Social Capital, described the gathering as a “global stage where ideas about social capital are shared, challenged, and refined,” underscoring the event’s ambition to become a cornerstone forum in the field.
A highlight of the conference is the participation of Robert D. Putnam, the esteemed political scientist and Harvard University professor emeritus, whose seminal works such as Bowling Alone and The Upswing have significantly influenced global perspectives on civic engagement and social capital. Putnam’s contributions to the study of how social networks affect political and social life earned him the 2012 National Humanities Medal, awarded by former U.S. President Barack Obama. Alongside Putnam, a diverse roster of distinguished experts will deliver keynote speeches and participate in panel discussions that reflect varied perspectives on social capital’s evolving role in governance, economic development, community resilience, and digital transformation.
The conference programme is designed to foster an engaging environment through keynote addresses, workshops, and interactive panel sessions, with events scheduled both in-person at Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s state-of-the-art campus in Dubai Knowledge Park and virtually. The venue offers an inspiring and accessible setting, benefiting from proximity to major business hubs, hotels, and transport links such as the Dubai Metro and Tram, facilitating ease of participation for international delegates. For those unable to attend in person, Social Capital 2026 will provide online participation options, including live virtual sessions on 25 March 2026 and on-demand access to key presentations, ensuring a wide-reaching and inclusive forum.
The conference also actively encourages emerging scholars and researchers to contribute through an open call for abstract submissions, promoting a vibrant exchange of cutting-edge research on social capital. This inclusivity aims to broaden the dialogue beyond established voices, fostering innovation and new insights within the field.
Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, highlighted the significance of hosting the conference: “We look forward to welcoming academics and practitioners from around the world, whose perspectives will enrich the dialogue and help shape stronger, more connected societies.” The emphasis on global collaboration aligns with the conference’s broader mission to address pressing societal challenges through a renewed focus on social trust and networks.
Registration for Social Capital 2026 will open in October 2025, featuring tiered fee structures, including early bird rates for ISCA members, non-members, and students, along with options for full conference access and social event participation. These provisions aim to facilitate broad participation from diverse sectors invested in the future of social capital research and application.
As the social capital discourse gains increasing relevance amidst global challenges—ranging from democratic backsliding to economic inequality—this inaugural conference represents a timely and strategic effort to consolidate knowledge, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and inspire actionable solutions. Social Capital 2026’s positioning in Dubai, a vibrant international hub, further reflects its ambition to serve as a transformative forum that bridges academic inquiry with practical impact on the world's most pressing social issues.