Call for Abstracts
Marking the fourth year of its flagship project GEMMS, and reflecting on the critical milestones across its lifetime, the Centre for Global Health and Intersectional Equity Research (https://www.essex.ac.uk/centres-and-institutes/global-health-and-intersectional-equity_), GEMMS global health research group (https://gemms-research.org/) , together with its partnering institutions (https://gemms-research.org/institutional-partners/) is organising a two-day scientific conference on March 12-13, 2026, aiming to bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community actors working at the intersections of mobility, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and participatory solutions. The opening plenary and dialogue will be held on 12 March, followed by concurrent sessions on March 13.
The conference will provide a platform to exchange learning on methodological innovations, participatory and creative approaches, theoretical contributions to migration health research and co-designed interventions aimed at improving the mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of migrant and displaced populations, particularly those living amidst multi-dimensional precarity and experiencing violence. By convening diverse actors, the conference aims to shape new frontiers in researching and tackling migrant health and to build a collaborative agenda for transformative action.
Conference Themes
Submission of Abstracts
We invite submissions that engage critically and creatively with the conference themes. You may submit as [A] or [B]. Submission deadline is 18th January 2026.
- [A] Abstracts for oral or poster presentation: Upto 300 words structured Abstract including: Aim and objectives, Methods, Findings and Conclusion (directions for future (References may be attached separately)
- [B] Pitches for dialogues, community voices utilising arts-based or other participatory methods; organised sessions for building capacities or debating a contested issue/ problem in the conference: Upto 300 words abstract presenting – aim, target audience, community/ stakeholders engaged, method of engagement (or training in case of capacity strengthening and dialogue) and an outline of the running format of the session.
[Not accepting Abstracts anymore]
Timeline
Registration
A conference fee will be charged, which will cover lunch and refreshment only. Registration closes on 20th February 2026. Participants may register for both the Welcome & Opening Plenary on Thursday 12th March 2026 (Afternoon) and the Scientific Conference Attendance on Friday 13th March 2026 (ALL day) or BOTH Conference and Opening Plenary – on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th March 2026
Unfortunately, the organisers are unable to offer scholarships, and participants will be responsible for covering their own participation costs.
Who should attend?
Researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community representatives working in the fields of Migration and health; Health Equity; Mental health and psychosocial support; Gender and social inclusion; Participatory and creative research methodologies.