PopFest is an annual population studies conference for postgraduate students organised by fellow postgraduates. PopFest has been organised by various universities with the support of sponsors for nineteen years. The twentieth PopFest is to be held at Loughborough University from the 21st – 23rd June. The 20th annual PopFest will reflect on the past 20 years of population studies and look forward to the challenges facing population studies in the next 20 years.

PopFest aims to provide young researchers from a range of disciplines studying population a supportive environment to present and discuss their work and to meet other researchers working in the field. The conference is a fantastic networking opportunity for postgraduates at both Masters and PhD level and gives attendees the opportunity to get acquainted with how research is conducted in different universities in various countries. The event will provide postgraduates the opportunity to present their work either in an oral or poster presentation and time will be allowed for feedback and discussion of the topics raised.

Professor John Stillwell from the University of Leeds will be the keynote speaker for the event reflecting on increasing ethnic diversity of the UK population over the last 20 years. Professor John Stillwell's research interests include internal and international population migration, geographical information systems (GIS), and regional development and planning.

Sir Jonathon Porritt, founder director of “Forum for the Future” and former chairman of the Sustainable Development Commission will deliver a plenary exploring the “next 20 years”, considering future challenges to populations. Sir Jonathon is an environmentalist and writer, dedicating his time to advising, campaigning, broadcasting and lecturing.

To celebrate PopFest's 20th year, Loughborough University hopes to continue the success of previous years and to host an inspiring and beneficial event for all those who attend.

We look forward to seeing you in Loughborough for PopFest 2012!

If you have any questions please contact us – Popfest2012@lboro.ac.uk