ESA (RN22) Midterm Conference 2025

Since its inception, RN22 has provided a platform for scholars to examine the ways risks emerge, are communicated, and are managed across diverse societal domains. This anniversary is not only a moment to celebrate past achievements but also an opportunity to envision the future of risk sociology. As contemporary crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate emergencies, and geopolitical conflicts challenge established paradigms, RN22 remains committed to addressing these issues through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This year’s theme 'Caring During Crisis: Navigating Risk and Uncertainty in Health, Care and Beyond' delves into the intersection of health, care, and crisis within the framework of risk sociology. Health and care systems are increasingly tested by cascading crises such as global pandemics, climate change, geopolitical instability, and socio-economic inequality. By foregrounding this theme the conference aims to foster a deeper understanding of how risk sociology can inform policies and practices that enhance practices of care during crisis and promote equitable health outcomes. 

The conference seeks to explore several key questions: How do crises redefine health and caregiving practices? What mechanisms of trust, communication, and governance emerge to manage risk during times of crisis? How can preparedness strategies be developed and implemented effectively to mitigate health risks during crises? How do systemic inequalities shape differential experiences of health risks, particularly for marginalized communities? These questions underscore the urgent need for sociological approaches to understanding and mitigating the impacts of crises on health, well-being and care. 

The conference invites contributions that analyse themes such as the dynamics of risk perception and management in health crises, the role of technological innovation in caregiving, and the interplay between local and global responses to health risks. Scholars are encouraged to examine case studies, such as responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health implications of climate-related disasters, or the ethical dimensions of digital health technologies in managing uncertainty. 

Keynotes

The Midterm 2025 Conference will host confirmed keynote speakers prof. dr. Jens Zinn, dr. Patrick Brown, prof. dr. Roland Bal and prof. dr. Marion Koopmans.

Special Events

• Risk Tour in Rotterdam: We invite participants of the conference along on a ‘risk’ tour through the Rotterdam area. 
• Art and Risk: An engaging session showcasing how art serves as a medium to understand, represent, and navigate societal risks and uncertainties. This event will highlight collaborative projects and creative expressions that bridge the gap between sociology and art, fostering a deeper appreciation of risk through visual and performative mediums.

Call for papers

For the Midterm Conference we welcome papers addressing the sociology of risk and uncertainty across various domains, including but not limited to:

• Health, well-being, and caregiving during crises
• Risk governance and resilience in health and other societal domains
• Pandemic preparedness and response
• Climate change, energy transition, and societal divides
• Technology and digital risks in health care
• Migration, mobility, and risk
• Risk perception

We particularly encourage contributions reflecting on the societal management of risks and uncertainties at multiple levels and across diverse contexts

Please upload your abstract below. The abstract (max 300 words) should include the title, author(s) name(s) and affiliation(s), and up to five keywords.

Submissions deadline: 31 May 2025
Notifications of acceptance will be sent by 30 June 2025

Call for Papers Instructions (pdf)