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Organizers: The Department of Social Work, Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, the University of Bucharest in collaboration with the Association of Schools of Social Work in Romania (ASSWR)

Conference theme:  Voices for Change: Social Work Leadership in Policy and Advocacy

Conference dates: November 4^th – 6^th, 2026

Conference venue: Faculty of Sociology and Social Work, University of Bucharest (90 Panduri Street, Sector 5, Bucharest, Romania)

Conference language: English

Conference website:  www.swicub.com

The Social Work Department of the University of Bucharest is pleased to invite submissions for presentations at the 10^th edition of the Social Work International Conference (SWIC) to be held from November 4^th to 6^th, 2026.

In an era marked by profound social transformations, growing inequalities, demographic shifts, migration, climate crises, and digitalisation, social work is increasingly called upon to move beyond service provision and to assume a strategic leadership role in shaping social policies and advocating for social justice.

The 10th edition of the Social Work International Conference (SWIC 2026) focuses on the evolving role of social work as a key actor in policy-making, governance, and advocacy, at local, national, and global levels. Social workers, educators, researchers, and allied professionals are uniquely positioned to amplify marginalised voices, translate lived experiences into evidence-based policies, and influence decision-making processes in complex social systems.

SWIC 2026 invites critical reflections and innovative approaches that explore how social work can enhance the development of leadership skills and initiatives from within the field, so as to better contribute to transformative social change, strengthen democratic participation, and promote inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable social policies.

Special focus: student and practitioner engagement

The first day of the conference (November 4^th, 2026) will be dedicated to activities engaging students and practitioners, including:

• A special student paper stream (undergraduate, master, and doctoral level)
• Interactive workshops and panels
• Networking opportunities with experienced researchers and professionals

This dedicated day reflects our commitment to promoting the active involvement of practitioners and students in shaping the future of social work education, research, and practice.

Conference streams / focus areas

We welcome paper presentations, workshops, and posters that address (but are not limited to) the following themes:

1. Social Work and Policy-Making

• Social workers as policy entrepreneurs and change agents
• Evidence-informed policy development in social services
• Bridging research, practice, and policy
• Ethics and values in social policy formulation

2. Advocacy, Participation, and Empowerment

• Advocacy strategies for marginalised and vulnerable populations
• Community organising and grassroots movements
• Participatory and co-produced policy models
• Service users’ voices in policy and decision-making processes

3. Leadership and Governance in Social Work

• Leadership models in social work organizations and systems
• Inter-professional and cross-sectoral leadership
• Social work leadership in times of crisis and uncertainty
• Power, accountability, and responsibility in governance
• Digitalization within social work processes

4. Global and Local Perspectives

• Social work leadership in global social policy agendas (e.g., SDGs, human rights frameworks)
• Comparative perspectives on social work advocacy across countries
• Transnational advocacy networks and global solidarity
• Local innovations with global relevance

5. Education, Research, Training, and Capacity Building

• Preparing social workers for leadership and advocacy roles
• Policy practice and advocacy in social work education & research
• Developing critical, reflexive, and political competencies
• Challenges and opportunities in professional socialization

Publication of contributions

SWIC 2026 welcomes:

• (Co)Authored papers
  • Research papers (theoretical, empirical, or methodological)
  • Practice-based papers and case studies
  • Policy analyses and critical reflections
• Poster presentations
• Workshops

Submissions from early-career researchers, doctoral students, and practitioners are strongly encouraged.

The abstracts will be evaluated based on their relevance to the conference theme, methodological strength, relevance to social work and actuality of the topic.

WHY SWIC 2026?

The 10th anniversary of SWIC offers a unique opportunity to:

• Reflect on a decade of social work scholarship and practice
• Strengthen international dialogue between academia, practice, and policy
• Reaffirm social work’s public voice and political relevance
• Build networks for future collaboration and advocacy

Abstract submission 

All submissions are to be uploaded in our Submissions Form (click here to open page).

Abstract submissions should include the following:

• Title of the presentation
• Name and affiliation of the author(s)
• 3-5 keywords

The abstract body (300 words or less, maximum 3000 characters) should follow as much as possible the below structure:

• Background/Context
• Research objective
• Methodology
• Main results and/or implications for social work education, practice and/or research
• General conclusion

All submissions are made through the [Abstract Submission Form]., by May 30^th, 2026

Please address any enquiries about the conference to swicub@sas.unibuc.ro. 

The SWIC 2026 Organizing Committee looks forward to receiving your abstract!