The British Society for Population Studies holds an annual conference at a UK university each September, hosting researchers in population studies at all career stages working in academia, policy and other related fields.

BSPS Conference 2025

Swansea University

Tuesday 2 - Thursday 4 September

CALL FOR PAPERS: DEADLINE FRIDAY 9 MAY 2025 (5pm UK time)

SUBMIT HERE

 You are invited to submit proposals for presentations and posters for the British Society for Population Studies’ 52^nd Conference, to take place at Swansea University.

 Along with the many and varied sessions in the call, plenaries will come from Stuart Gietel-Basten, and from Isabella Aboderin and Shereen Hussein in conversation as well as from the winner of the Anne Shepherd New Investigator Award. 

Workshops and roundtable discussions will include Working with migrant communities, Standards for Official Statistics on Climate and Health Interactions (SOSCHI), What is the future of critical demography research?; Priorities for research on the children of immigrants; Creative approaches to community research; Demographic statistics and analysis that serve the public good; UK-wide population and migration statistics development; Census-based longitudinal studies; Small area population estimation for urban analytics and Integrating sexuality research into population studies. 

Abstracts for papers and posters across the entire demographic and population studies spectrum are welcomed. Any empirical or conceptual approach is welcome, with a demographic or population studies focus. 

Abstracts for papers reporting on research should clearly outline aims, method(s), and results (even if preliminary at the time of submission). Conceptual papers should offer clear expositions of how the paper contributes to the field.

Viability of strands and sessions will depend on sufficient submissions being received. 

Information on the Conference will be posted to the BSPS website:

https://www.lse.ac.uk/international-development/research/british-society-for-population-studies/annual-conference

Please choose your strand/session below and submit via the online submission form before 5pm UK time on 9 May. A short abstract of up to 250 words is requested. 

Please read the Notes at the end of this call for papers. 

Submit online at: https://forms.office.com/e/1N7TQk3WpK

Download this call

Strands and sessions with organisers (who may be contacted with queries):

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Ageing

In this strand, we call for papers on population ageing, including studies addressing health; income, wealth and financial security; employment; care provision and receipt; and intergenerational relations of older people and their families. Papers using a life course perspective and investigating inequalities are encouraged, as are submissions on policy responses to population ageing. Submissions are welcome on any areas or world regions. Papers may use qualitative and/or quantitative methodologies.

Strand organisers: Ginevra Floridi (University of Edinburgh) & Giorgio Di Gessa (UCL) – Ginevra.Floridi@ed.ac.uk; g.di-gessa@ucl.ac.uk 

Tracing the impacts of early life adversity across the lifecourse: Brain, behaviour, and beyond

This session examines the varying effects of early life adversity on autonomic regulation, brain development, and reward processing. It utilises longitudinal studies and neuroimaging techniques, as well as large biobank and birth cohort data, to investigate how different types of childhood adversity influence mental health risks throughout the lifespan. The session will emphasise the significance of mechanisms-informed treatment strategies to enhance overall wellbeing. 

Session organisers: Sidonie Roque (University College London), Megan Sheppard (University of Manchester) & Ryan Shepherd (University of Manchester) – sidonie.roque@ucl.ac.uk; meg.sheppard@manchester.ac.uk; ryan.shepherd@manchester.ac.uk

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Changing neighbourhoods, residential segregation and spatial inequalities

With the conviction that ‘neighbourhood matters’ (Clark 2024) this strand is a forum for discussion of the latest theories of residential segregation/spatial inequalities/neighbourhood change; methodological innovations (including longitudinal, lifecourse, intersectional and mixed methods); empirical findings; and policy and practice dimensions including those relating to housing and community development. 

Strand organisers: Nissa Finney, Alice Butler-Warke, Rachel Wilkie, Qiong He, Jo Mhairi Hale, Elspeth Graham (University of St Andrews/Centre for Population Change Connecting Generations) and Lena Imeraj, Tuba Bircan, Feriha Nazda Saygi, Shabnam Khezri (Vrije Universiteit Brussel/SeLiS: Segregation through Life and Space – Nissa.Finney@st-andrews.ac.uk; lena.imeraj@vub.be

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Critical demography and novel methodological approaches

We are interested in submissions that theoretically or critically challenge current demographic research and data collection as well as classical theories in demography and broader population studies. We encourage submissions of research that furthers our understanding of core demographic concepts or trouble demographic assumptions, alongside studies that use novel, forward-thinking theories, methodologies or analyses. 

Strand organisers: Joe Strong (Queen Mary University of London) & Michaela Šedovič (UCL) – joe.strong@qmul.ac.uk; m.sedovicova@ucl.ac.uk

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Climate change, environment and population dynamics

Climate change and environmental degradation are among the most pressing challenges of our time, with profound implications for population dynamics and human well-being. Understanding how climate change and environmental problems shape fertility, migration, mortality, and other demographic processes is crucial for demographers. At the same time, population dynamics also contribute to environmental change, creating complex feedback loops that are further influenced by policy measures. 

This strand invites original research on all aspects of climate change, environmental problems, and demography. We particularly encourage submissions that explore how climate change—both in terms of perception and actual exposure—affects fertility and reproductive health. This includes studies on how climate-related anxieties influence reproductive decisions, as well as research on the direct impact of environmental stress and shocks.

Strand organisers: Dermot Grenham (Institute and Faculty of Actuaries), Tobias Ruttenauer (UCL), Jasmin Abdel Ghany (University of Oxford) – dermot.grenham@gmail.com; t.ruttenauer@ucl.ac.uk;  jasmin.abdelghany@nuffield.ox.ac.uk

The air we breathe is crucial for health: The interplay between air pollution, health, and social inequalities

This session aims to explore the associations between air pollution, health, and social inequalities. We are seeking papers that demonstrate the link between how exposure to air pollution and its health impacts vary by socioeconomic domains including ethnicity, deprivation, social class, education, and occupation. This session, thus, aims to provide evidence for policymaking toward healthier and more equitable communities in the context of air pollution exposure. 

Session organiser: Mary Abed Al Ahad (University of St Andrews) – maaa1@st-andrews.ac.uk

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Demography of health in conflict and crisis

This session aims to attract and bring together researchers from diverse fields (demography, health, economics, sociology) who study population processes and data on the demography of health in crisis-affected contexts. These contexts may include acute or protracted crises, such as disasters, conflict, disease outbreaks, socio-economic and political crises. We welcome both recent and historical studies.

Session organisers: Tiziana Leone (LSE), Maria Gargiulo (LSHTM), Orsola Torrisi (McGIll), Dijana Spasenoska (University of Oxford) –– t.leone@lse.ac.uk; maria.gargiulo@lshtm.ac.uk; orsola.torrisi@mcgill.ca; dijana.spasenoska@ndm.ox.ac.uk

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Developments in official population statistics

Contributions to this strand are sought on developments in official series of population statistics, developments in and findings from the 2021/22 censuses and how official population statistics may transform in the future. Papers on the analysis and dissemination of these are also welcome. 

Strand organiser: Phil Humby (Office for National Statistics) – philip.humby@ons.gov.uk

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Disability in LMICs: Measurement, challenges and opportunities

Disability, both mental and physical, is an under-researched area in many low- and middle-income countries. This session brings together research related to disability, broadly defined. Submissions are welcomed to explore various topics including the conceptualisation and measurement of disability, its prevalence and distribution, alongside the intersection of disability with healthcare, education, and other socio-economic factors. Papers may use qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods to explore individual regions or countries, cross-country analyses, global perspectives, or trends over time. 

Strand organisers: Oki MacPherson & Andrew Amos Channon (University of Southampton) – o.krisnadevi@soton.ac.uk; a.r.channon@soton.ac.uk

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Ethnicity

'Ethnicity’ is broadly conceived and may include work concerned with ethnicity, race, religion, language, migrant generations. Theoretical (such as concepts and measurements) and methodological papers are welcome, as well as submissions from non-academic stakeholders. We particularly welcome submissions on the link between ethnicity and: demographic processes, residential/geographical processes, ageing, experiences of discrimination/racism, as well as estimations and projections of ethnic populations, socio-economic mobility, and health. 

Strand organisers: Magda Borkowska (University of Essex), Momoko Nishikido (Queen's University Belfast), Joseph Harrison (Salford),Parth Pandya (University of St Andrews) – m.borkowska@essex.ac.uk; m.nishikido@qub.ac.uk; jh383@st-andrews.ac.uk  

pp77@st-andrews.ac.uk   

 Integration of immigrants and their descendants over the life course

This session explores the dynamics of immigrant integration over the life course. We invite contributions which shed light on life course trajectories of immigrants and ethnic minority populations and that examine demographic and socioeconomic domains such as partnerships, family, education, employment, housing, health, and aging. A particular focus will be on comparative studies of immigrant groups across countries and regions, offering insights into how policy contexts influence life course trajectories.  

Session organiser: Mary Abed Al Ahad (University of St Andrews) – maaa1@st-andrews.ac.uk

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Families and households

This strand invites theory‐driven conceptual or empirical papers (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods) that investigate the diversity of family or household compositions and outcomes. Comparative papers and case studies are welcome, as are submissions that challenge conventional assumptions and/or contribute to new conceptual and methodological frameworks for household and/or family. For instance, papers that assess the role of selection in known relationships in more detail are invited.

Examples of possible contributions include, but are not limited to:

• Trends, determinants and consequences of demographic events
• Relationships: Union formation, dissolution, relationship quality and satisfaction
• Family and work: Employment, care and unpaid work
• Policy related to families and households
• Heterogeneous effects by e.g. gender, class, income, race/ethnicity, age/cohort, region

 

Strand organisers: Kathrin Morosow (University of Manchester) & Nitzan Peri-Rotem (University of Exeter) – kathrin.morosow@manchester.ac.uk; N.Peri-Rotem@exeter.ac.uk  

Partnering dynamics and intimate relationships

Submissions to this session may include partner selection patterns, relationship quality or sexual wellbeing. We particularly welcome studies on the effects of technological developments (e.g. social media, dating apps, AI technologies) on partnering and relationship dynamics, as well as life course approaches to intimate relationships. Studies may apply quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods. 

Session organiser: Nitzan Peri-Rotem (University of Exeter) – n.peri-rotem@exeter.ac.uk

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Fertility and sexual and reproductive health

This strand welcomes abstract proposals that focus on fertility and/or sexual and reproductive health in any context. We invite researchers using any methods, including mixed and qualitative methods, to submit their work, and are especially keen for submissions on populations and issues that are lesser known/investigated in demography and population studies. Work at any stage of development is encouraged. 

Strand organisers: Selin Köksal (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) & Joe Strong (QMUL) – selin.koksal@lshtm.ac.uk; joe.strong@qmul.ac.uk   

Fertility disparities

This session is focused on disparities in fertility - while most demographic research is focused on whole population approaches to understanding fertility, some countries are experiencing growing disparities in fertility rates or timings by class. There are differences across countries in terms of the direction of the class gradient in fertility as well. This session focuses on the description of such disparities, as well as on understanding their causes at all levels. 

Session organisers: Laura Sochas (University of Edinburgh) & Ewa Batyra (CED Barcelona) – lsochas@ed.ac.uk; ebatyra@ced.uab.es 

Early markers of fertility

Childhood circumstances have been linked to  long-term adult outcomes. With a goal to contribute to this research, we invite submission of research studying early markers of fertility, including both fertility behaviour and intentions. We encourage submissions of not only quantitative, but also qualitative and mixed-methods studies that furthers our understanding of fertility patterns. 

Session organisers: Michaela Šedovič, Aapo Hiilamo (UCL, MPIDR) – m.sedovicova@ucl.ac.uk ; hiilamo@demogr.mpg.de  

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Gender ideologies: Formation, consequences, and evolution

This session invites papers that enhance our understanding of the formation, consequences, and evolution of gender ideologies and attitudes. We welcome contributions that explore how gender ideologies and attitudes develop, the outcomes they shape, and the factors influencing their change over time. We encourage a diverse range of submissions, including theoretical and conceptual papers, empirical studies, and research utilizing various data sources such as qualitative, survey, and experimental data. 

Session organisers: Matthew Henglong Luo, Zhuofei Lu & Grace Chang (University of Oxford) – henglong.luo@sociology.ox.ac.uk; zhuofei.lu@sociology.ox.ac.uk; grace.chang@sociology.ox.ac.uk

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Gendered time use: Inequalities in domestic work, care, paid work, and leisure

This session invites papers examining gendered patterns of time use in domestic labour, care work, paid employment, leisure, and other activities. We welcome research exploring the trends, causes, and consequences of time use inequalities, considering how these patterns vary across the life course, national contexts, and social groups defined by education, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. Papers addressing the implications for health, wellbeing, and socio-economic inequalities are particularly encouraged. 

Session organisers: Man-yee Kan, Grace Chang, Zhuofei Lu, Matthew Henglong Luo (University of Oxford) – man-yee.kan@sociology.ox.ac.uk

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Health and mortality

Papers are invited on any aspect of health and mortality. Both papers addressing substantive topics about population health and mortality, as well as methodological development are welcome. Work from ECRs, non-academic researchers, and postgraduates is encouraged. Papers may address (not restricted to):

·      Concepts and measurement of mortality and health

·      Trends early life or adult health 

·      Mortality and health in LMICs

·      Social determinants of health and disparities

·      Data challenges for mortality/health studies 

Strand organiser: José Manuel Aburto (University of Oxford and LSHTM) – jose.aburto@lshtm.ac.uk

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Historical demography

This strand welcomes submissions addressing any aspect of historical demography, or the history of demography as an academic discipline. Papers may focus on any of a broad range of themes, such as fertility, mortality, migration, household formation, social mobility, urbanization, public health, social inequality or other related fields in the context of historical populations. Contributions may focus on any part of the world, and at any scale, from local studies to international comparisons. 

Strand organiser: Eric Schneider (LSE) – e.b.schneider@lse.ac.uk

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Innovative data and methods for population science

This strand welcomes submissions illustrating the use and potential of digital trace data and AI for population science, and how these challenges (data biases, representation, and ethical concerns) can be addressed. 

Strand organisers: Francisco Rowe, Carmen Cabrera & Ruth Neville (University of Liverpool) – fcorowe@liverpool.ac.uk; c.cabrera@liverpool.ac.uk; ruth.neville@liverpool.ac.uk 

Innovations in formal and mathematical demography

This session welcomes developments in the mathematical modeling and analysis of demographic processes. Contributions integrating mortality, fertility, and migration, as well as formal demographic approaches to addressing data quality issues are especially welcome. 

Session organiser: Jacob Martin (French National Demographic Institute (INED) and University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)) – jacob.martin@ined.fr 

Population nowcasting

Humanitarian crises urgently demand real-time demographic insights where traditional data collection is limited. Statistical agencies also face increasing pressure to leverage emerging data sources for timely outputs. This session seeks papers that advance knowledge of nowcasting populations, mobility, and migration. We particularly welcome studies using Bayesian or machine learning methods that integrate geospatial, digital trace, and conventional data, reflecting the urgent need for innovative approaches to produce rapid and reliable demographic insights. 

Session organiser: Andrea Aparicio Castro (University of Oxford)  –andrea.apariciocastro@demography.ox.ac.uk

Statistical demography

The production of estimates and forecast of the population are at the heart of demographic science. Methods that capture the uncertainty in such estimates are particularly important to facilitate robust decision-making. This session aims to showcase papers that advance the field of statistical demography. 

In particular papers in the following areas are encouraged:

-                      Models for estimation and forecasting of fertility, mortality and migration rate schedules

-                      Methods for quantifying uncertainty in population estimates

-                      Bayesian population forecasting

-                      Communication of uncertainty

-                      Kin estimation and forecasting

Session organiser: Jason Hilton (University of Southampton) – j.d.hilton@soton.ac.uk

Systems and simulation approaches in population research

This session focuses on research which utilises simulation and systems science methods for studying areas and their populations. We invite contributions which utilise methods such as (spatial) microsimulation, agent-based models (ABMs), system dynamics models, network analysis, multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), or soft systems methodology to capture health and mortality, fertility and family formation, migration and mobility, or the built and ecological environment. 

Session organisers: Andreas Hoehn (University of Glasgow), Yiyang Gao (Durham University), Petra Meier (University of Glasgow), Elizabeth Inyang(University of Glasgow), Reese Green (University of Glasgow), Tengpeng Zhang (Durham University) and Yang Yu (University of Oxford) yiyang.gao@durham.ac.uk; Andreas.Hoehn@glasgow.ac.uk

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Longitudinal census data – research using the newly linked 2021 Census data

This is open to researchers who have used the 2021 Census data recently linked to the ONS LS and NILS to present early findings from their research. It will also be open to the three statistical offices and three user support units to share planned developments for their data and services. 

Strand organisers: Jim Newman (Office for National Statistics), Stephen Jivraj (University College London), Peter Wilgar (Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency) Greg Blackadder (National Records of Scotland), Lee Williamson (University of Edinburgh), Ian Shuttleworth (Queens University Belfast), Estelle Lowry (Queens University Belfast) – jim.newman@ons.gov.uk  

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Public concern about low fertility: The 1920s and the 2020s

There are striking similarities in the public discourse surrounding low fertility today and a century ago. This session invites comparisons between these two periods including alarm about sub-replacement fertility, concerns about who should be having children, and debates about access to contraception and abortion. 

Session organisers: Alice Reid (University of Cambridge), Dermot Grenham (Institute and Faculty of Actuaries); Romola Davenport (University of Cambridge) & Hannaliis Jaadla (University of Cambridge) – amr1001@cam.ac.uk; dermot.grenham@gmail.com; rjd23@cam.ac.uk; hj309@cam.ac.uk  

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Queer demography

This strand welcomes abstract proposals that explore queer demography, including the study of LGBTQIA+ populations, their experiences, and related demographic phenomena (e.g., dating, union formation, health). We encourage submissions using diverse methodologies and addressing under-researched topics, with work at any stage of development warmly invited. 

Strand organisers: Francesco Rampazzo & Morten Thomsen (University of Oxford) – francesco.rampazzo@sociology.ox.ac.uk; morten.thomsen@sociology.ox.ac.uk  

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Telling the story in statistics

This strand invites examples of how you have brought your data to life, made your data discoverable, communicated your results to non-specialists and/or the steps taken to make your research more impactful. These could include examples of open data platforms, how you have found ways of making your messages accessible, reaching a wider audience or influencing policy. 

Strand organiser: Phil Humby (Office for National Statistics) – philip.humby@ons.gov.uk

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Violence and abuse

This strand welcomes papers on violence and abuse that address population trends, root causes, and potential interventions in a global context. Topics of interest include: domestic/interpersonal violence, sexual abuse, homicide, modern slavery/trafficking, and racial, religious, state, or structural violence. Investigations could focus on population risk factors, age and gender, links to mortality/fertility/migration, methodology and measurement, impact of COVID-19 pandemic, feminist critiques, and global and comparative perspectives. 

Strand organiser: Murylo Batista (London Borough of Camden) & Lana Chikhungu – murylo.batista@camden.gov.uk; lana.chikhungu@port.ac.uk

Posters

Poster submissions are invited across the spectrum of population studies and demography. Researchers are encouraged to present results from completed studies or ongoing research not yet at the results stage (which is particularly well-suited to poster presentation). 

Presenters are welcome to submit an abstract for consideration as a poster in addition to an oral submission. Presenters are expected to stand with their posters during the dedicated poster session on the first evening, to discuss their work. There will be a poster prize of £100 in book tokens or equivalent vouchers, at least half of which will be for a student poster.  

Strand organiser: Contact BSPS Secretariat pic@lse.ac.uk

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General and administrative queries: BSPS Secretariat – pic@lse.ac.uk

NOTES

Submissions should be made online at: https://forms.office.com/e/1N7TQk3WpK           

• A maximum of ONE oral submission please as first author or presenter, and one poster (so, a maximum of TWO submissions in total).
• Organisers may request further details of a submission before final decisions are made.
• Final decisions on papers accepted for presentation will be emailed to submitting authors in late May/early June, with poster notifications coming before the summer break.
• Submissions from members & non-members are welcomed, as are those from early-career researchers.
• Presentations may be allocated to a different strand or session from that to which submission was made.
• Short abstracts will be posted to the BSPS website (with contact email unless otherwise requested) and may be changed up to the end of July.
• Oral presentations will be organised into 60 or 90-minute sessions of 3-5 papers, with time for questions & discussion. Strand organisers or convenors will advise on the length of individual presentations or advise if a different format is planned.
• If accepted, poster printing should be arranged by the presenter, in A0 format, portrait.
• On submission, you need to confirm that you intend to present in person.

 

FEES AND FUNDING

• Registration charges will apply for all attending, at member, non-member & student rates. Registration by the presenting author is required before the paper or poster is included in the final programme.
• Bursaries will be available for student members, or local government members whose employer will not cover their costs:
  • Bursaries are only available if presenting a paper or poster.
  • Application is via selecting the appropriate option when responding to the call for papers. The scheme is always oversubscribed, and later applications cannot be accepted.
  • Bursary applicants must be current BSPS members, and BSPS annual membership dues must be up to date at the time of responding to the call for papers.
  • The number of bursaries on offer may be limited or partial depending on budgetary constraints, and an application for a bursary does not guarantee it will be successful.
  • Bursaries provide a waiver of registration and on-site accommodation costs plus meals. Travel costs and any other expenses are not included.
  • Bursary recipients may be asked to assist on-site.
• You can join BSPS at https://www.lse.ac.uk/international-development/research/british-society-for-population-studies/how-to-joi

Submit online at:

https://forms.office.com/e/1N7TQk3WpK     

 

PAST CONFERENCES

The 51st Conference was held on campus at the University of Bath, 9-11 September 2024.

As usual, the programme was packed with sessions from across the breadth of Population Studies, as well as workshops and training sessions and opportunities to meet people. This Conference will welcome Heidi Colleran speaking in plenary on Deconstructing Natural Fertility and Ian Diamond in conversation with Alice Reid, with a further plenary given by the winner of this year's Anne Shepherd New Investigator Award, Alina Pelikh, on Changing life course trajectories of young people in England and Wales during the transition to adulthood.

The conference is kindly supported by Adelphi Genetics Forum, the ESRC Centre for Population Change & Connecting Generations and Routledge Taylor & Francis, publishers of Population Studies. 

CONFERENCE TIMETABLE 2024: BSPS_Timetable_2024_v18

ABSTRACTS

AgeingAbstracts

ClimateChangeAbstracts

CriticalDemographyAbstracts

DataScienceAbstracts

DeterminantsEducationAbstracts

DevOfficialPopStatsAbstracts

DisabilityInLMICsAbstracts

DisasterCrisisAbstracts

FamiliesHouseholdsAbstracts

FertilitySrhAbstracts

HealthMortalityAbstracts

HistoricalDemographyAbstracts

MigrationAbstracts

PostersAbstracts

TellingStoryAbstracts

ViolenceAbuseAbstracts

CALL FOR PAPERS: DEADLINE TUESDAY 30 APRIL (11.59pm UK time) 

SUBMIT HERE

You are invited to submit proposals for presentations and posters for the British Society for Population Studies’ 51^st Conference, to take place at the University of Bath, 9-11 September 2024. The conference promises rich opportunities to share knowledge and meet fellow demographers working in university, government and other practical settings, as well as space for early-career researchers to develop networks in the field.

A provisional programme and booking forms will be available in May/June. There will be a full programme of simultaneous sessions of submitted papers, plus hands-on workshops and invited plenary sessions.

Abstracts for papers and posters across the entire demographic and population studies spectrum are welcomed. Any empirical or conceptual approach is welcome, with a demographic or population studies focus. Abstracts for papers reporting on research should clearly outline aims, method(s), and results (even if preliminary at the time of submission). Conceptual papers should offer clear expositions of how the paper contributes to the field. Viability of strands and sessions will depend on sufficient submissions being received.

Please choose your strand/session below and submit via the online submission form before midnight at the end of Tuesday 30 April 2024. A short abstract of up to 250 words is requested. Please read the Notes at the end of this call for papers.

Submit online at: https://forms.office.com/e/T2DTjRRerV

 

Strands and sessions with organisers (who may be contacted with queries):

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Ageing

In this strand, we call for papers on key questions related to population ageing and inequalities. These might include, for example, papers that address issues arising for older people and their families in mental and physical health; cognition; emotional wellbeing; income, wealth and financial security; social engagement and employment; care provision and receipt; and intergenerational relations. Papers addressing such issues over the life course and investigating how inequality and setbacks in early life are linked to consequences in adulthood and/or later life are also encouraged, as are submissions on the role of policies responses to population ageing (such as active ageing, flexible retirement, social security and long-term services, digital inclusion, and age-friendly society) at the international, national and regional level. Submissions on single regions or countries, cross border and trans-national issues, cross country comparisons, or global perspectives are all welcome, as are those on trends and changes over time. Papers can use qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies.

Strand organiser: Giorgio Di Gessa (UCL) – g.di-gessa@ucl.ac.uk

Ageing disgracefully

This session focuses on marginalised groups within the ageing population. Why can the the older generation still be portrayed as slipper wearing, armchair sitting, paper reading individuals? We welcome submissions concerning those groups that still practice what they preach and kick against social norms! Submissions could include but not limited to: sexuality, sport, fetish, fashion, subculture, activism etc.

Session organiser: Charlotte Goldthorpe (University of Huddersfield) – c.m.goldthorpe@hud.ac.uk

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Climate change and population studies

Climate change and environmental degradation are reshaping the global landscape, influencing migration patterns, health outcomes, and demographic trends. This session welcomes submissions that investigate the multifaceted interactions between climate change and population dynamics. We seek contributions that shed light on the demographic consequences of environmental shifts, as well as the reciprocal impacts of population dynamics on climate change. Topics of interest include but are not limited to population displacement and resettlement, demographics of vulnerability and resilience, impacts of climate change on demographic processes, and policy responses.

Strand organisers: Tobias Ruttenauer (UCL), Jasmin Abdel Ghany (Nuffield College) and Dermot Grenham – t.ruttenauer@ucl.ac.uk; jasmin.abdelghany@nuffield.ox.ac.uk; dermot.grenham@gmail.com

Climate change and health

The intersection of climate change and health presents significant challenges for populations worldwide. They crucially interact with other demographic patterns such as urbanization, population aging and fertility. This sub-session seeks contributions that examine the demographic dimensions of climate-related health outcomes. We invite papers that investigate patterns of mortality and morbidity, disparities in access to healthcare services, and the role of demographic processes in shaping vulnerability and resilience to environmental health risks.

Session organisers: Jo Mhairi Hale (University of St Andrews), Emmanuel Olamijuwon (University of St Andrews) – jo.hale@st-andrews.ac.uk; eoo1@st-andrews.ac.uk

Climate change and migration

Climate change is one of the main societal challenges of the 21st century. Rises in temperature are predicted to increase the likelihood of extreme weather events including cyclones, floods, heatwaves and droughts and to lead to sea-level rise. These changes are expected to impact migration patterns both directly and indirectly through changes in agriculture, food prices, infrastructure and health. This session invites papers that address these challenges by providing novel empirical evidence, drawing on innovative data sources, improving methods or by proposing new conceptual frameworks on the nexus between climate and migration

Session organisers: Francisco Rowe (University of Liverpool), Aude Bernard (The University of Queensland) – fcorowe@liverpool.ac.uk; a.bernard@uq.edu.au

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Critical demography and novel methodological approaches

We invite work that critically engages with demography and population studies, novel methodological approaches to demographic research, or demographic data collection. In particular, we encourage submissions of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research that furthers our understanding of core demographic concepts or trouble demographic assumptions, alongside studies that use novel, forward-thinking methodologies and analyses. Additionally, we are interested in submissions that theoretically or critically challenge current research, research methodologies, and classical theories in demography and broader population studies.

Strand organisers: Joe Strong (LSE) and Michaela Šedovič (UCL) – j.strong3@lse.ac.uk;  m.sedovicova@ucl.ac.uk

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Data science

The combination of new sources of data and the increased availability of cheap computing power have opened up exciting new avenues for research in population science. Methodological advances and new statistical modelling approaches allow these new resources to be exploited to create new scientific knowledge and forecast our demographic futures. This strand welcomes papers that demonstrate the application of innovative data, methods and models to problems in the population sciences.

Demographic applications falling under the following headings are particularly encouraged:

• big data
• innovative statistical modelling and forecasting
• Bayesian methods and uncertainty quantification
• Modelling of kinship
• simulation
• machine learning

Strand organiser: Jason Hilton (University of Southampton) – j.d.hilton@soton.ac.uk 

Uncertainty in demographic forecasting and now-casting

This session welcomes methodological and applied papers that focus on, firstly, quantifying the uncertainty in demographic forecasting and now-casting, that is, the prediction of the present, of population components and population itself. Secondly, we welcome submissions on how uncertainty can be used in decision- and policy-making.

Session organisers: Arkadiusz Wiśniowski and Wendy Olsen (The University of Manchester) – a.wisniowski@manchester.ac.uk; wendy.olsen@manchester.ac.uk

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Demographic perspectives on economic inequality

Demographic phenomena—such as population aging, union formation and dissolution, assortative mating, fertility and family size, mortality, migration, retirement, and inheritance—are closely related to macro-level trends in income and wealth inequality. This session welcomes papers that advance our understanding of how demography can explain patterns of economic inequality.

Strand organiser: Jiaxin Shi (University of Wisconsin-Madison) – jiaxin.shi@wisc.edu  

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Demography of disaster and crisis contexts

This session brings together researchers studying population processes and data in disaster- and crisis-affected contexts. We welcome multidisciplinary perspectives spanning demography, health, economics, and sociology, as well as different methodological approaches. Disaster or crisis contexts could include conflict, displacement, climatic events, and de facto states.

Session organisers: Rosanna Le Voir (LSE), Tiziana Leone (LSE) and Orsola Torrisi (NYU) – r.h.le-voir@lse.ac.uk; t.leone@lse.ac.uk; o.torrisi@nyu.edu

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Developments in official population statistics

Contributions to this strand are sought on developments in official series of population statistics, developments in and findings from the 2021/22 censuses and how official population statistics may transform in the future. Papers on the analysis and dissemination of these are also welcome.

Strand organiser: Phil Humby (ONS) – philip.humby@ons.gov.uk

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Disability in LMICs: Measurement, challenges and opportunities

Disability, both mental and physical, is an under-researched area in many low- and middle-income countries. This session brings together research related to disability, broadly defined. Submissions are welcomed to explore various topics including the conceptualisation and measurement of disability, its prevalence and distribution, alongside the intersection of disability with healthcare, education, and other socio-economic factors. Papers may use qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods to explore individual regions or countries, cross-country analyses, global perspectives, or trends over time.

Session organisers: Andrew Amos Channon and Oki MacPherson (University of Southampton) – a.r.channon@soton.ac.uk; o.krisnadevi@soton.ac.uk

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Families and households

This strand invites theory‐driven conceptual or empirical papers (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods) that investigate the diversity of family or household compositions and outcomes. Comparative papers and case studies are welcome, as are submissions that challenge conventional assumptions and/or contribute to new conceptual and methodological frameworks for household and/or family. For instance, papers that assess the role of selection in known relationships in more detail are invited.

Examples of possible contributions include, but are not limited to:

• Trends, determinants and consequences of demographic events
• Relationships: Union formation, dissolution, relationship quality and satisfaction
• Family and work: Employment, care and unpaid work
• Policy related to families and households
• Heterogeneous effects by e.g. gender, class, income, race/ethnicity, age/cohort, region

Strand organisers: Kathrin Morosow (University of Manchester) and Nitzan Peri-Rotem (University of Exeter) – kathrin.morosow@manchester.ac.uk; n.peri-rotem@exeter.ac.uk

Families and households in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

This session brings together research on family structures in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) and their gender differentiated impact on social and economic outcomes. This includes - but is not limited to - the role of social norms and institutions in LMICs in shaping parental incentives and child outcomes.

Session organiser: Jennifer Golan (University of Bath) – j.m.d.golan@bath.ac.uk

Transition to adulthood

The transition to adulthood is a critical stage of life that involves demographic markers such as completing education, leaving the parental home, entering full-time employment, and forming a union. This session brings together contributions that investigate transitions to adulthood as well as their variation across space and time.

Session organiser: Ginevra Floridi (University of Edinburgh) – ginevra.floridi@ed.ac.uk

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Fertility and sexual and reproductive health

This strand welcomes abstract proposals that focus on fertility and/or sexual and reproductive health in any context. We invite people using any methods, including mixed and qualitative methods, to submit their work, and are especially keen for submissions on populations and issues that are lesser known/investigated in demography and population studies. Work at any stage of development is encouraged.

Strand organisers: Joe Strong (London School of Economics) and Selin Köksal (University of Essex) – j.strong3@lse.ac.uk; selin.koksal@essex.ac.uk

Dynamics of contraception: Trends, drivers, and consequences of contraceptive behaviour Contraception plays a key role in fulfilling fertility intentions, including the number, timing, and spacing of children as well as the prevention of unplanned pregnancies. We welcome papers from all country contexts that study trends, drivers, and consequences of contraceptive behaviour or explore the intersection of contraception with childbearing, partnership dissolution, or other life domains.

Session organisers: Theresa Nutz and Nora Müller (GESIS - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, Germany) – theresa.nutz@gesis.org; nora.mueller@gesis.org

Early marriage and early fertility: Are they harmful and, if so, how harmful are they?

Early marriage and early fertility are argued to adversely affect young women. Ending early marriage is a specific Gender Equality Goal (item 5.3) in the SDGs (UN, 2015). However these goals must also be considered in a wider framing of reproductive justice and the contexts in which young women who experience early marriage and fertility live. This session aims to being out the complexities and controversies around these issues.

Session organisers: Shireen Kanji (Brunel University London), Chris Darko (University of Birmingham) and Fiona Carmichael (University of Birmingham)  – shireen.kanji@brunel.ac.uk; c.k.darko@bham.ac.uk; f.carmichael@bham.ac.uk

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Health and mortality

Papers are invited on any aspect of health and mortality studies. Both papers addressing substantive topics about population health and mortality, as well as methodological development on issues related to health and mortality are welcome. Work from early career scholars, non-academic researchers, and postgraduates is encouraged. The strand’s intention is to showcase scholarship addressing current debates of mortality and health from an international perspective, including work from low-to-middle income countries.

Papers may address (though are not restricted to):

• Concepts and measurement of mortality and health
• Trends in adult health and health behaviours
• Mortality and health in low-to-middle income countries
• The environment and population health
• Social determinants of health and health/mortality disparities
• Early life health and mortality
• Data challenges for mortality/health studies
• Biosocial approaches to mortality differences and healths

Strand organiser: José Manuel Aburto (University of Oxford and LSHTM) – jose.aburto@lshtm.ac.uk

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Historical demography

This strand welcomes submissions addressing any aspect of historical demography, or the history of demography as an academic discipline. Papers may focus on any of a broad range of themes, such as fertility, mortality, migration, household formation, social mobility, urbanization, public health, social inequality or other related fields in the context of historical populations. Contributions may focus on any part of the world, and at any scale, from local studies to international comparisons.

Strand organiser: Eric Schneider (LSE) – e.b.schneider@lse.ac.uk

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Longitudinal census data: New developments and recent research findings

Each of the three census-based longitudinal studies in the UK (ONS LS, SLS and NILS) is being or has been updated with the latest census data. This strand will include recent and planned developments to the studies and will showcase some recent examples of research using the studies.

Strand organisers: Jim Newman (ONS); Oliver Duke-Williams (UCL), Peter Wilgar (NISRA) Greg Blackadder (NRS), Lee Williamson (University of Edinburgh), Ian Shuttleworth (QUB) and Becky Jathoonia (ONS) – jim.newman@ons.gov.uk

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Migration

We welcome papers addressing any aspect of internal and international mobility and migration. This includes (but is not limited to):

• trends in and/or the drivers of internal and/or international migration
• whether and how internal and/or international migration intersects with other life course trajectories such as e.g., partnership formation and dissolution, childbearing, or employment
• the experiences of immigrants and/or their descendants
• ethnicity and migration/residential mobility

Strand organisers: Aude Bernard (The University of Queensland) and Francisco Rowe (University of Liverpool) – a.bernard@uq.edu.au; fcorowe@liverpool.ac.uk

The interconnection across several domains in the life course of immigrants and their descendants

Many countries have witnessed increasing immigration streams and ethnic diversity over the past decades. The question remains whether the observed heterogeneity between immigrants and the native populations will persist among the descendants of immigrants. This session welcomes papers on the interconnection of life domains such as housing, employment, education, partnership, and parity among immigrants and their descendants. Research should focus on investigating life course trajectories by immigrant generations and/or countries of origin. We welcome papers that investigate all migrant types, including refugees and asylum seekers. Potential papers may include the usage of administrative or survey-based datasets and could apply different methodologies including but not limited to event history analysis, microsimulation techniques, or machine learning methods.

Session organisers: Mary Abed Al Ahad and Andrew Ibbetson (University of St Andrews) – maaa1@st-andrews.ac.uk; adgi1@st-andrews.ac.uk

 

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Posters

Poster submissions are invited across the spectrum of population studies and demography. Researchers are encouraged to present results from completed studies or ongoing research not yet at the results stage (which is particularly well-suited to poster presentation).

Presenters are welcome to submit an abstract for consideration as a poster in addition to an oral submission. Presenters are expected to stand with their posters during the dedicated poster session on the first evening, to discuss their work.

There will be a poster prize of £100 in book tokens or equivalent vouchers, at least half of which will be for a student poster. 

Strand organisers: tbc

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Telling the story in statistics

This strand invites examples of how you have brought your data to life, made your data discoverable, communicated your results to non-specialists and/or the steps taken to make your research more impactful. These could include examples of open data platforms, how you have found ways of making your messages accessible, reaching a wider audience or influencing policy.

Strand organiser: Phil Humby (ONS) – philip.humby@ons.gov.uk

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Violence and abuse

This strand welcomes papers on violence and abuse that address the multifaceted challenges, root causes, and potential interventions in a global context. Topics of interest include: domestic/interpersonal violence, sexual abuse, homicide, modern slavery/trafficking, and racial, religious, state, or structural violence. Investigations may focus on population risk factors, age and gender, links to mortality/fertility/migration, methodological improvements, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, feminist critiques, and global and comparative perspectives. The strand will enhance academic and practitioner discourse on contributing towards SDG 5: Gender Equality by covering topics that encompass domestic, family, community, and conflict settings.

Strand organisers: Murylo Batista (London Borough of Camden), Lana Chikhungu (University of Portsmouth), Rebecca Harris (University of Southampton) and Amos Channon (University of Southampton) – murylo.batista@camden.gov.uk; lana.chikhungu@port.ac.uk; rebecca.harris@soton.ac.uk;  a.r.channon@soton.ac.uk

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General and administrative queries: BSPS Secretariat – pic[at]lse.ac.uk

NOTES TO THE 2024 CALL FOR PAPERS:

Submissions should be made online at: https://forms.office.com/e/T2DTjRRerV

• A maximum of TWO submissions please as first author or presenter. If submitting two, each must be for a different strand.
• Organisers may request further details of a submission before final decisions are made. Oral and poster submissions are given equal weight.
• Final decisions on papers accepted for presentation will be emailed to submitting authors in late May/early June, with poster notifications coming before the summer break.
• Submissions from members & non-members are welcomed, as are those from early-career researchers.
• Presentations may be allocated to a different strand or session from that to which submission was made.
• Short abstracts will be posted to the BSPS website (with contact email unless otherwise requested) and may be changed up to the end of July.
• Oral presentations will be organised into 60 or 90-minute sessions of 3-5 papers, with time for questions & discussion. Strand organisers or convenors will advise on the length of individual presentations or advise if a different format is planned.
• If accepted, poster printing should be arranged by the presenter, in A0 format, portrait.
• On submission, you will be requested to confirm you plan to present in person.

FEES AND FUNDING

• Registration charges will apply for all attending, at member, non-member & student rates. Registration by the presenting author is required before the paper or poster is included in the final programme.
• Bursaries will be available for student members, or local government members whose employer will not cover their costs & are only available if presenting a paper or poster:
  • Application is via selecting the appropriate option when responding to the call for papers. Later applications cannot be accepted.
  • Bursary applicants must be current BSPS members, and BSPS annual membership dues must be up to date at the time of responding to the call for papers.
  • The number of bursaries on offer may be limited or partial depending on budgetary constraints, and an application for a bursary does not guarantee it will be successful.
  • Bursaries provide a waiver of registration and on-site accommodation costs plus meals. Travel costs and any other expenses are not included.
  • Bursary recipients may be asked to assist on-site.
• BSPS operates a Low- and Middle-Income Countries Initiative, which sponsors a visit by a demographer from a low or middle income country who gives a presentation at the BSPS Conference for that year. Please see https://www.lse.ac.uk/international-development/research/british-society-for-population-studies/awards-and-grants for more details.
• You can join BSPS at https://www.lse.ac.uk/international-development/research/british-society-for-population-studies/how-to-join

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Submit online at:

https://forms.office.com/e/T2DTjRRerV