CALL FOR PAPERS: PhD student conference NextGen Legal Scholars Conference (Brussels: VUB, 20 MAR 2026; DEADLINE 30 JAN 2026)
The Faculty of Law and Criminology of the
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is proud to announce the very first edition of
the NextGen Legal Scholars Conference (NLSC). This doctoral conference will
take place on Friday March 20th 2026 in Brussels (BE), featuring a fully
in-person programme of keynote speeches and thematic panels.
NLSC 2026 invites predoctoral and early postdoctoral
legal researchers (within 2 years of finishing PhD) to reflect on the evolving
role of law in times of structural uncertainty. Global crises are challenging the
capacity of legal systems to maintain justice and stability. Ongoing wars and
occupations have raised complex international law questions, such as the
legality of interventions, state sovereignty, and the protection of human
rights during armed conflicts. Populist and authoritarian regimes are continuously
contesting democratic values and the rule of law, both on a domestic and
international level. Deepening socioeconomic inequalities have heightened legal
concerns about access to healthcare, education, and housing. Artificial
intelligence and other technological disruptions raise questions from a data
and tax law perspective. Above all, climate change continues to be one of the
most urgent challenges of our time, prompting legal questions regarding environmental
protection, responsibility for climate damages, and the role of (international)
law.
In the spirit of VUB’s mission of freedom in
research, critical thinking, and social engagement, NLSC 2026 offers young
legal researchers the opportunity to connect with peers, share ideas, and
present ongoing work or research proposals in an open and inclusive
environment. We especially encourage contributions
that question traditional legal paradigms and propose fresh and forward-looking
approaches across all legal disciplines – including public and
constitutional law, EU and international law, economic law, environmental law,
criminal law, and legal history. Participants are welcome to submit topics beyond
the examples listed above.
How to submit? Your abstract (max. 500 words,
including the title) and short biography (max. 150 words) can be submitted
directly via the registration form (orange button on the right). The
deadline is January 30th 2026, 23u59. Acceptance of the abstract will be
communicated at the latest in the week of February 2nd 2026. Participants are
not required to submit a draft paper, and no common publication is envisaged.
It is possible to attend the
conference without presenting. Participation is free, but registration is
required for both presenters and attendees. Submission of abstracts and/or
registration for the conference can be done through this link.
For any inquiries, please
contact nlsc@vub.be. For information on the exact
programme or panels, consult our university webpage.
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