About the Annual Conference
The BRISMES conference is the largest and most prestigious annual UK gathering of scholars and practitioners focusing on the region. The event moves around the country as it is hosted by a different UK university every year. At the conference, BRISMES invites researchers from all disciplines to explore that year’s theme or to present any aspect of their Middle East Studies research. You can propose an individual/co-authored paper, panel/roundtable, or creative intervention, receive feedback from academics working on similar themes, and attend as a publisher or non-presenting delegate.
The 2027 annual conference will take place in person at Newcastle University from 22 to 24 June 2027, co-hosted by the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology.
Highlights
- Three days of inspiring panels, roundtables and talks;
- A welcome reception on June 22;
- A dinner event on June 23;
- A publishers’ exhibition;
- Two keynote speeches from renowned academics in the field of Middle East Studies.
The Conference Venue
The conference will take place in the Henry Daysh Building on Claremont Road, a modern, cohesive, and extensively refurbished mid-century complex located in the heart of the university's city campus. The venue offers a convenient base for the conference, with university facilities, cafés, and other amenities within easy reach. Its central location also provides easy access to Newcastle city centre and the surrounding area.
Further information about accessibility, transport links, and practical arrangements for attending the conference will be provided to delegates ahead of the event.
Access and Support
BRISMES strives to make our annual conference accessible and inclusive for all delegates, including those with additional needs. Newcastle University is committed to accessibility and inclusivity for all students, staff, and visitors, and provides a range of services, facilities, and adaptations to support people with diverse accessibility requirements.
If you have any specific accessibility needs or special requirements, we encourage you to contact us at conference@brismes.org in advance so that we can discuss how best to support your participation in the conference.
Registration Rates
Registration fees include a welcome reception on the evening of Tuesday, 22 June, as well as lunch and coffee/tea breaks during the conference. Please note that accommodation is not included in the registration fee.
We encourage you to become a BRISMES member to benefit from reduced registration fees. Please note that BRISMES membership is required for students and unwaged academics registering at the subsidised rate.
Bursaries
As in previous years, BRISMES members will benefit from a substantial reduction on registration fees compared with non-members. A limited number of bursaries will also be available. Further information about our Solidarity Fund can be found here. If you have any questions about the Solidarity Fund, please contact us at conference@brismes.org.
Childcare
At BRISMES 2027, we are pleased to offer on-site childcare to help make the conference more accessible and family-friendly. We have reserved the Urban Rooms at the Farrell Centre, located directly opposite the conference venue. This welcoming and engaging space is ideal for children, offering facilities such as soft play areas where younger attendees can play, explore and enjoy themselves in a safe and stimulating environment. Childcare will be provided by a professional childcare agency, with experienced childcare professionals looking after the children while parents and carers participate in the conference. We hope this provision will help make BRISMES 2027 a more inclusive and supportive event for delegates with caring responsibilities.
The childcare service will be provided free of charge to presenting delegates.
If you have any questions, please visit the FAQ page on our website. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at conference@brismes.org.
Database of Expertise
The Database of Expertise in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies provides a publicly available list of MENA experts with their research and areas of expertise.
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