Important information

There is a maximum number of rooms available via the Trippus booking tool. It is possible we exceed this today (30/04), and booking is no longer possible. Please let us know via mail to FISS-OC@uantwerpen.be if you are unable to book, so we can arrange additional rooms with the conference centre.

Registering for the conference is possible until April 30th. Your registration is only valid after paying the € 325 conference fee. The conference fee includes participation, coffee breaks, lunch breaks and the conference dinner on Wednesday night. Co-authors and interested parties are also welcome to register and attend without presenting. 

There are rooms available at the beautiful Sigtunahöjden conference centre. The price per night is 1.660 SEK and includes a breakfast buffet. It is also possible to already book your room for Tuesday night. Please also book your rooms at Sigtunahöjden at the latest April 30th. You are also welcome to choose different accommodation. More information can be found on the ‘practical info’ page.

If you can not meet these deadlines or have any other questions, get in touch. 

Call for papers 

Conference Theme: The Polycrisis and Social Policy in Europe, Asia, and Beyond

Registration for the 31st International FISS Conference in Sigtuna, Sweden, is now open. 

The Foundation for International Studies on Social Security (FISS) invites researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to register for its upcoming conference.

We are delighted to announce that the 2025 FISS Conference of Social Security will host multiple keynote lectures by the following leading experts in the field:

Prof. Arnstein Aassve (Bocconi University)

Prof. Gongcheng Zheng  (Renmin University of China & China Social Security Society)

Prof. Sarah Marchal (University of Antwerp)

Prof. Koen Caminada (Leiden University)

Prof. Hong Zhou (Chinese Academy of Social Sciences)

This is the 31^st edition of the FISS conference. These conferences are intimate events that provide an excellent opportunity for young researchers to engage in meaningful discussions with senior researchers and practitioners in a supportive environment. With around 70 participants, the conference is small with attendees from all corners of the world. It is held in the charming town of Sigtuna, Sweden’s former Viking capital. This unique location offers a rare and beautiful atmosphere that fosters conviviality and vibrant intellectual exchange.

FISS focuses on social security in the broadest sense, encompassing all interventions aimed at strengthening social rights. This inclusive approach ensures a rich and diverse exploration of ideas and practices in the field of social policy. 

This year’s theme focuses on the challenges posed by the ongoing polycrisis and its implications for social policy worldwide. Submissions are encouraged on the following topics:

• Crisis Policy Responses: Evaluation of policy measures during the COVID-19 pandemic and the inflation crisis, with a focus on lessons learned.
• Ecological Transition and Social Policy: Development of new policies to mitigate the social impacts of the transition to a sustainable and climate-neutral economy.
• The Digital Revolution: Exploring its effects on work and social protection systems, with special attention to safeguarding the rights and welfare of platform workers.
• Other contributions related to social security and social policy are also welcome.

 The FISS Best Paper Prize of 300 Euros will be awarded by a selection committee from the FISS Board of Governors, and the winning paper will (subject to a review process) be published in The Journal of Poverty and Social Justice. The author(s) will also receive two years’ free subscription to the journal.

 Important dates:

Submission of Paper Abstracts and Panel Session Proposals: 30 March 2025

Notification of applicants: 6 April 2025

Early booking & registration will begin on 6 April 2025

Further details about the conference programme and venue will be announced shortly. For any queries, please contact FISS-OC@uantwerpen.be.

We look forward to welcoming you to this inspiring event!

Bea Cantillon (FISS Secretary-General)