Nations and Nationalisms: Theories, Practices and Methods 3.0

International Postgraduate Conference

26-27 May 2027

The Loughborough University Nationalism Network (LUNN), in collaboration with the Association for the Study of Ethnicity and Nationalism Studies (ASEN) and the Nationalism Research in the Humanities (NARS), organise the third edition of an international conference dedicated exclusively to postgraduate researchers (Master and PhD students) interested in nations and nationalism studies.

As in previous editions, the conference seeks to provide a unique forum for discussing ideas, theories, and methodologies related to the participants’ shared research interests in nations and nationalisms. It offers postgraduate students an opportunity to present and discuss their research projects with a multidisciplinary audience, fostering intellectual exchange, encouraging dialogue, and promoting the cross-fertilisation of ideas.

We invite abstract submissions from postgraduate students belonging to different disciplines, including but not limited to Geography, Sociology, Psychology, History, Politics, Communication and Media, Arts, Humanities and Sport Studies. 

In addition to sessions chaired by postgraduate students themselves, providing participants with an opportunity to present and discuss their work, the conference will feature a series of practical workshops led by Marco Antonsich, Alan Bairner, Sabina Mihelj, Liz Mavroudi and Michael Skey. These workshops will offer further opportunities for postgraduate researchers to discuss their projects and receive feedback.

We are very grateful to Professor Michael Billig (Loughborough University) and to Dr Gordana Uzelac (London Metropolitan University) who will offer two keynotes specifically aimed at the postgraduate audience. 

Please mark these dates on your calendar

  • Abstract submissions deadline: 31 January 2027
  • Acceptance notification: 28 February 2027
  • Registration deadline: 19 March 2027
  • Conference: 26-27 May 2027

Abstract Submission for LUNN PGR Conference 2027

Fill in the online form

Conference fee: £60 (includes coffee breaks and lunches)  

Optional - Social dinner (26 May 2027, 7pm): £25 (drinks excluded).

  • Travelling by train: Loughborough is approximately a 90-minute train journey from London, one hour from Birmingham, and two hours from Manchester or Leeds. Direct trains to Loughborough depart from London St Pancras, Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield, and York. A shuttle bus service from Loughborough rail station to the university runs throughout the year.
  • Travelling by air: The nearest airport is East Midlands. The Skylink bus service from the airport to Leicester goes right through the centre of Loughborough. Buses depart every 20-30 minutes during the day from outside the airport arrivals hall.
  • Travelling by car: Loughborough University is two miles from junction 23 on the M1. The University is clearly signposted on all other main routes. Car parking on campus can be difficult so you may wish to leave your car at your hotel or the station and get public transport to campus. You can pay for parking on campus, either before or on arrival.

Accommodation on campus at Loughborough University

Accommodation in the town

There is a good range of accommodation suitable for different budgets in the town

Other hotels are available, including links to these hotels does not constitute an endorsement on the part of the organisers

Travelling around the campus

To navigate in and around campus, please use this online campus map.

Keynote speakers

Professor Michael Billig (Loughborough University)

Michael Billig moved to Loughborough University in 1985 when he was appointed Professor of Social Sciences. He worked for more than thirty years at Loughborough. His research interests have ranged over a number of different topics. He has published books on social psychological theory, fascism, nationalism, psycho-analysis, academic racism, eighteenth century theories of mind, humour, rhetoric, the current state of writing in the social sciences, political commemoration, and even on the history of rock’n’roll. His most cited book has been Banal Nationalism (1995, Sage Press).

Professor Michael Billig's profile page

Dr Gordana Uzelac (London Metropolitan University)

Gordana Uzelac is Reader in Sociology at London Metropolitan University and a member of the Editorial Team of the journal Nations and Nationalism. Her research explores nationalism, national identity and the processes through which belonging and exclusion are constructed. Her current work examines ideological estrangement and the labelling of national ‘traitors’, including through the Leverhulme-funded project “You are a traitor! Constructing national betrayal in Putin’s Russia”. She has extensive experience in teaching social research methods and conducting qualitative and quantitative research across national and comparative contexts.

Dr Gordana Uzelac’s profile page