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

Call for papers is closed.

Registration

If you are interested in participating, please apply using the form below. There are different fees which will appear in the form. Additionally you can sign up for a conference dinner. Other dinner, travel, and accommodation need to be covered by participants themselves. To complete your registration, please proceed to the appropriate payment.
Early bird registration is possible until 8 September 2025.
Note that in the same form, you can register for the PhD Workshop ‘Qualitative Research on Risk and Uncertainty’ on 28 October. This PhD workshop is free of charge for PhD students who are also registering for, and presenting at the Midterm Conference 2025.