“Surviving and Thriving: In Pursuit of a Sustainable World”

Religious, cultural and societal fractures have seen rises in authoritarianism and nationalism across the world, and threats and perceived threats have been used to justify the stifling and marginalisation of voices of opposition and dissent. Hard-won progress and freedoms are being questioned and undermined, and questions of peace, security and human security abound. In this period of great global social, economic, political and environmental instability, the future is for many a place of great uncertainty and fear.

However, in any period of great change, and undoubted challenge, there is also a great opportunity to harness and nurture these forces. The future is not yet written, and the powerful heuristic of sustainability has become a reality in many areas, where human creativity, imagination and technological advances have helped to make the world a better place. From small individual initiatives within families, communities and places of work, to the larger and more long-term development initiatives of governments and supranational institutions, exemplified by the UN’s 2030 goals, human resourcefulness is being used in pursuit of the common goal of a sustainable world.

The European Conference on the Social Sciences 2018 (ECSS2018) is a multidisciplinary conference held concurrently with The European Conference on Sustainability, Energy & the Environment (ECSEE2018). Keynote, Featured and Spotlight Speakers will provide a variety of perspectives from different academic and professional backgrounds. Registration for either of these conferences permits attendance in both.

In conjunction with our Global Partners, including the University of Sussex and Birkbeck, University of London, we look forward to extending you a warm welcome in 2018.

The ECSS2018 Organising Committee

Dr Eddie Bruce-Jones, Birkbeck College School of Law, University of London, UK
Professor Anne Boddington, University of Brighton, UK
Dr James W. McNally, University of Michigan & NACDA Program on Aging, USA
Professor Ljiljana Markovic, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Evangelia Chrysikou, University College London, UK
Professor Kwame Akyeampong, University of Sussex, UK
Dr Joseph Haldane, The International Academic Forum (IAFOR), Japan

Key Information
  • Venue & Location: The Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront, Brighton, UK
  • Dates: Friday, July 06, 2018 ​to Saturday, July 07, 2018
  • Conference Theme: “Surviving and Thriving: In Pursuit of a Sustainable World”
  • Early Bird Abstract Submission Deadline: February 20, 2018*
  • Final Abstract Submission Deadline: April 20, 2018
  • Registration Deadline for Presenters: May 21, 2018

*Submit early to take advantage of the discounted registration rates. Learn more about our registration options.


About Brighton

The International Academic Forum’s European Conference Series is based in the vibrant city of Brighton in the UK. From iconic tourist spots to beachfront cool, Brighton is crammed full of things to see and do. Boasting a cultural heritage that includes the Royal Pavilion, Regency architecture and Victorian aquariums plus the seaside attractions of Brighton Pier, the Brighton Wheel and the famous pebble beach, Brighton offers something to delight each and every visitor.