Social Policy Association and East Asian Social Policy Research Network – Joint Annual Conference 2025

Go your own way? Social Policy in an era of fracturing solidarities

Wednesday, 2nd – Friday, 4th July, 2025
University of York, Spring Lane Building, York

In 2025, the Social Policy Association (SPA) and the East Asian Social Policy Research Network (EASP) are delighted to run a joint annual conference, hosted by the University of York, from Wednesday 2nd to Friday 4th July.

Across the globe, social policy is operating within fraught and increasingly conflictual economic, social, political and environmental contexts, marked by eroding solidarities. This has the potential to accelerate divergences in national policies addressing societal challenges, while growing devolution can create policy divergence within countries. Moreover, trends towards heightened polarisation and division within nation-states and communities risk undermining collectivism. This is placing new pressures on both public institutions and civil society to alleviate social inequalities and divisions, and to institutionalise forms of solidarity that are adapted to current policy conditions.
The organisers of the joint 2025 Social Policy Association and East Asian Social Policy Research Network Annual Conference welcome presentations and symposia that engage with the diversification and evolution of social policy and service delivery in this challenging climate.

Conference Information

The conference will be hosted on the campus of the University of York, in the Spring Lane Building. With all sessions in one building, and accommodation in refurbished halls in close proximity, attendees at the conference will find it easy to navigate and make time for networking.

The historic city of York offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and cultural activities.

There is a frequent, fast train service to York on the East Coast Main Line from London King’s Cross and from Edinburgh. There is also a direct service between York, Leeds and Manchester Airport. Our main campus is in the south east of York within walking and cycling distance of, or a short bus ride from, the city centre. Parking is limited, so we suggest alternative transport where possible.

Registration to the conference will open at 8am on Wednesday, 2nd July for a conference start at 10am (and a PGR event at 9am). Accommodation will be available from Tuesday, 1st July.

The programme (including information on social events and keynote speakers), conference booklet, FAQs, and venue access statements will be available in due course.

Accommodation

Conference accommodation will be available at Derwent College, a 4 minute walk from the conference venue. Please see the campus map for more information. You will be able to book this accommodation as part of your registration process.

Fees and Registration

You can register for the conference here: https://cvent.me/N0vklW

The fee categories are below. The early bird rate closes on 15th April 2025.

  • EASP/SPA Members, Early Bird full conference (offered until 15th April):
    • Conference fee (including dinner, and drinks reception): £330
    • Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £80
  • EASP/SPA Members, full conference:
    • Conference fee (including dinner, and drinks reception): £370
    • Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £80
  • Postgraduate Research Students/ECRs* (EASP – SPA members) / Non-affiliated ECRs (EASP – SPA members)*, full conference:
    • Conference fee (including dinner, and drinks reception): £295
    • Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £65
  • Non – EASP/SPA Members, full conference:
    • Conference fee (including dinner, and drinks reception): £520
    • Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £80
  • EASP/SPA Members, Day delegate packages:
    • Wednesday, 2nd July with dinner: £270
    • Wednesday, 2nd July (no dinner): £210
    • Thursday, 3rd July: £220
    • Friday 4th: £165
    • Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £80
  • Non – EASP/SPA Members, Day delegate packages:
    • Wednesday, 2nd July with dinner: £420
    • Wednesday, 2nd July (no dinner): £360
    • Thursday, 3rd July: £370
    • Friday, 4th: £315
    • Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £80
  • Postgraduate Research Students/ECRs* (EASP – SPA members) / Non-affiliated ECRs (EASP – SPA members)*, Day delegate packages:
    • Wednesday, 2nd July with dinner: £240
    • Wednesday, 2nd July (no dinner): £180
    • Thursday, 3rd July: £190
    • Friday 4th: £145
    • Accommodation, Derwent College, Bed & Breakfast per night: £65

*The Early Career Transition rate is for two years after a members’ PhD graduation date (i.e. graduated after 1st July 2023).

Abstract submission

We welcome abstract submission for individual papers and symposia from now on, via these links:

The deadline for submissions is Monday, 17th March 2025.

Notifications of acceptance will be issued on a rolling basis, at the latest by 15th April 2025.

Contact

For any questions, please contact the conference organisers via EASP-SPA2025@social-policy.org.uk.

EASP &SPA Joint Conference information (updated!)