History
History
The Social Sciences and Humanities Conference (SHCONF), which began in Barcelona in 2019, has grown into a leading gathering for research across disciplines. After attracting contributors from many regions, the conference will return for its 10th edition in Tokyo from 12 - 14 June 2026.
Past Editions
Browse the Humanities and Social Sciences conference history now and see why thousands return year after year
9th
Themes:
Social Justice And Legal Systems
Gender And Society
Human Behavior And Psychology
Societies in Focus
Examining today’s world to shape tomorrow’s understanding. This edition explored pressing social issues, human behavior, and structures that influence daily life, creating a space for practical research and shared learning across regions.
8th
Themes:
Cultural Studies
Global Perspectives
Social Innovation
The Future of the Past
Rethinking history for tomorrow’s better future. This edition connected past and present, as well as used memory and historical contexts, to inform possibilities of social and cultural developments for the future.
7th
Themes:
Education Innovation
Gender Studies
Digital Learning
Knowledge in Motion
Ideas that travel, transform, and bring us together. The conference was an exploration of how knowledge flows digital networks, education systems and research collaborations across the globe.
6th
Themes:
Well-being Studies
Social Innovation
Urban Communities
Rethinking the Social Fabric
Transforming what we do, how we do it, and who we do it with. Participants were challenged to reconsider the structures that hold communities together, and how creativity and innovation can increase collective strength.
5th
Themes:
Psychology Research
Media Studies
Economic Innovation
Bridging the Divide
Connecting knowledge to action for the real world. In this edition, there was a move from knowledge to action and reinforced the value of including and collaborating with leaders from academics, government and community.
4th
Themes:
Cultural Identity
Urban Transformation
Public Health
Humanity in Transition
Adapting to a world of rapid change. In the time of global changes, participants examined how societies adapt through political, economic and technological change, with an emphasis on learning to be strong and adaptable.
3rd
Themes:
Environmental Policy
Electoral Justice
Social Responsibility
Voices and Perspectives
Increasing diversity into the global conversation. In focus on representation, identity, and inclusion, this edition amplified new perspectives that will shape the modern human experience.
2nd
Themes:
Social Justice
Corporate Mindfulness
Child Rights
Crossroads of Thought
Where tradition meets transformation. This conference explored the ways that contemporary social structures respond to new challenges, inviting daring debate and cross-cultural collaboration.
1st
Themes:
Literature Studies
Digital Society
Education Research
Foundations of Understanding
Learning the origins of human connection and meaning. The first round of conference created a place for critical dialogues across cultures and disciplines, as a basis for an ongoing tradition of collaboration and investigation.