Welcome
Dear Esteemed Members and Colleagues,
Here is another addition of insights and exciting updates that reflect the vibrant spirit of our International Social Capital Association (ISCA) community. This newsletter contains the following:
- A message from our president, Tristan Claridge
- Energy. Ideas. Global Impact. ISCA 2026 Exceeded our Expectations
- Onwards towards the March 18-20, 2027 ISCA Conference-Join us!
- ISCA Webinar Series: Upcoming webinars
- ISCA Webinar Series: Recordings of recent webinars
- Get involved with our Special Interest Groups
- Mighty Network
- Other news and events
- Invitation to share your work
With the success of our conference in March this year, we are progressing towards creating a platform where ideas and connections flourish, and you are a part of this journey! We’d love to hear from you, so please write to us and help shape our future at admin@intsocialcapital.org
Download a PDF of this newsletter
Message from the President:
The first half of 2026 has already been a significant period for the International Social Capital Association, marked most notably by the successful delivery of Social Capital 2026. Although the evolving regional situation meant we ultimately moved the conference fully online, the event still brought together an extraordinary international community of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students from across the world. The quality and diversity of presentations reflected the continued growth and maturation of the field, and I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed their time, ideas, and energy to making the conference such a success.
One of the most encouraging outcomes of the conference was the strong sense of momentum and connection across disciplines and regions. Social capital continues to prove itself as a concept that bridges fields, sectors, and perspectives, and the discussions throughout the conference highlighted both the enduring foundations of the field and the many emerging directions for future work.
We are already looking ahead to Social Capital 2027, which is scheduled for 18–20 March 2027. Our intention remains to hold the conference in Dubai, with online participation options available for those unable to travel. At the same time, we recognise the importance of certainty and accessibility for our community, so we will make decisions about the conference format early and decisively to ensure the best possible experience for participants. We are also very pleased to welcome Michael Woolcock to the conference steering committee. Michael’s longstanding contributions to the field and his support for interdisciplinary engagement will be a tremendous asset as we continue to develop the conference and broader ISCA activities.
Another exciting development has been the restart of the ISCA webinar series. The response to the renewed series has been very encouraging, with strong participation from across multiple regions and disciplines. We recently undertook an evaluation of the webinar program to better understand its value to participants and how we can continue improving it. Findings suggest that members particularly value the diversity of perspectives, opportunities for international connection, and the accessibility of ongoing engagement between conferences. We have also heard strong interest in more interactive and participatory formats, and we are already responding to this feedback with several new initiatives currently in development. We expect to make further announcements soon and will also share a more complete overview of the evaluation findings and future plans in the coming months.
As always, I want to thank our members, volunteers, presenters, reviewers, and supporters for helping to build this growing international community. ISCA exists because of the willingness of people from many backgrounds and disciplines to contribute their expertise and collaborate in advancing understanding of social capital and its applications. I look forward to what we will continue building together.
Tristan Claridge
President, International Social Capital Association
Energy. Ideas. Global Impact. ISCA 2026 Exceeded our Expectations!!!
The Social Capital 2026 Virtual Conference, hosted by Heriot-Watt University in Dubai, was nothing short of dynamic. With 544 attendees and 199 speakers, this wasn’t just a conference, it was a global exchange of bold ideas, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections.
From the very first session, the tone was set: engaging, collaborative, and forward-moving. The conversations didn’t sit at the surface, they challenged assumptions, pushed boundaries, and invited us to rethink how social capital truly operates in today’s complex world.
And the keynote speakers? Exceptional. Thought leaders like Robert D. Putnam, Raj Chetty, and Michael Woolcock brought powerful insights that connected research to real-world impact reminding us that trust, networks, and opportunity are not just concepts, they are catalysts for change.
What made this conference especially exciting was the breadth of ideas across the 12 thematic streams. Whether the focus was economic mobility, civic engagement, or social networks, each session added a new layer to how we understand and apply social capital across disciplines and industries.
But beyond the numbers and the names, what truly stood out was the energy of the community. Attendees were not passive listeners, they were active contributors. The questions were sharp. The dialogue was rich. The commitment to advancing the field was undeniable.
For those of us who live at the intersection of research and practice, ISCA 2026 delivered something powerful: ideas we can actually use. The kind that inform policy, shape organizations, and drive equitable outcomes.
And if this is what a virtual experience can produce, the anticipation for 2027 is already building.
Final thought: When brilliant minds from around the world come together with intention, the result isn’t just conversation, it’s momentum. Let’s keep it going!
Towards the March 18-20, 2027 ISCA Conference- Join us!
Building on the success of Social Capital 2026—with 500+ attendees and speakers like Bob Putnam, Raj Chetty, Beate Voelker, and Michael Woolcock—we’re thrilled to announce the next edition. The Social Capital 2027 conference will take place March 18-20, 2027.
Mark your calendar for Social Capital 2027 and express your interest today at our special website https://www.socialcapital2027.com/
We will once again be requesting submissions for paper presentations, posters, and other forms of participation. The RFP will be sent out via our next newsletter, but meanwhile please reach out to our president Tristan Claridge in case you have ideas for making our 2027 conference even a bigger success than we had this year.
We are also actively seeking sponsors to support the 2027 conference. Sponsorship is crucial for keeping the event inclusive and accessible, especially for participants from underrepresented regions. If you know of organisations, institutions, or individuals who might be interested, please share our sponsorship prospectus with them:
https://www.socialcapital2027.com/sponsorship-opportunities/
ISCA Webinar Series
Since April 2020, our webinar series has included presentations by prominent scholars and practitioners, including Prof Robert Putnam, Prof Eric Uslaner, Prof Lindon Robison, Prof Daniel Aldrich and many more.
This series provides a platform for people to share their research or their practical applications of social capital with an international audience.
You can click here to submit a proposal to present in the ISCA Webinar Series. All our webinars are FREE to attend.
Upcoming webinars and free workshops
Social Capital Research Design and Methods
June 25, June 30, Aug 27, September 24, October 29
https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/533895213957
Chilean Social Capital Circle presents: Carlos Vignolo (PISCT)
June 10 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm SMT
https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/chilean-social-capital-circle-presents-carlos-vignolo-pisct-tickets-1990003278375
Building Social Capital Through Relationship-Based Microschooling: Dr. Crystal Coins
June 24 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm EDT
https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/building-social-capital-through-relationship-based-microschooling-tickets-1990540420983
While some upcoming events are listed here, please do check back frequently at our upcoming events links that are always posted here: https://www.intsocialcapital.org/events/
Recent webinars
Our recent webinars have brought together leading scholars and practitioners from around the world to explore new perspectives on social capital, including its theory, measurement, and practical application across diverse contexts. Below you’ll find the latest recordings, each offering valuable insights and examples of how social capital shapes our societies, organisations, and communities.
Please also feel free to browse our recent webinar videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRBjfIPAka-YOXB05zIe_4IsVN56CUZbo
Safety, Trust & Communication In Emergencies: Disability In Crisis
Mark Jenkins, Jeff Donaldson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln2DL6Rim_U
Resonant Systems: Rethinking Social Capital and Cohesion from Social Systems Theory
Josè Maria Rodriguez
https://youtu.be/oLhrAzTAC94
Emotional Intelligence as Infrastructure: Designing Cultures that Scale Social Capital
Graham Hall, OD & Talent Strategy Leader, Rhythm Strategic Consulting
https://youtu.be/7KVJyLwp0cA
Understanding the nuances of (dis-)connectedness of migrant entrepreneurs within entrepreneurial ecosystems
Dr Alexandra David, Senior Researcher, Westphalian University, Institute for Work & Technology
https://youtu.be/TbtbgQqySZY
Social Capital and its influences on career aspirations and attainment
Dr Rob Schnieders, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff, Fairfield University
https://youtu.be/_-kU9WsdiGI
Leading with Social Wealth: Relational Design for the Future of Work
Shelley Doyle, Social Wealth Strategist, The Communiverse
https://youtu.be/BBnZu2dH-lg
Social capital in the age of AI: Does current pedagogy help students build real connections?
Sidney Peimer, Lecturer, Red & Yellow Creative School of Business
https://youtu.be/V72GuIGmUw4
Dynamics of Social Interaction in Technology Adoption: Social Capital versus Social Learning
Dr Haluk Gedikoglu, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics, Konya Food & Agriculture University
https://youtu.be/dNO54PVbqSU
Gbenopo as an expression of social capital in Badagry’s Ogu musical culture
Dr Joseph Kunnuji, Senior Lecturer in African Music, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
https://youtu.be/xBZ1rpaEII8
Out of a Crisis Comes Resilience: Community Schools Potential to Generate Social Capital
Dr Jessica Shiller, Director of the Maryland Center for Community Schools, Towson University
https://youtu.be/E-xgTGnBP1E
Social Capital in Action: A Blueprint from Petaluma’s Civic Experiments
John Crowley, Executive Director, Aqus Community Foundation
https://youtu.be/jOafgfZuTZs
Building Social Capital Through Mentoring Programmes At The Goa School In India
Jonathan Burton, Advisor to The Goa School and Madhuri Dass Woudenberg, Founder-Director of The Goa School
https://youtu.be/fICWScw7cE8
Unveiling Trends in Social Capital Research: A Bibliometric and Systematic Review Approach
Buddhini Amarathunga, Senior Lecturer, Department of Business Management, Faculty of Business Studies and Finance, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
https://youtu.be/WcUl0SBI6yw
Toward a Unified Framework for Social Capital: What is it, how does it work, and why does it matter?
Tristan Claridge, Director of the Institute for Social Capital and President of the International Social Capital Association
https://youtu.be/2Kq8VVy146U
View more on our YouTube channel
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Get Involved with our Special Interest Groups
Visit the ISCA events page for Interest Group schedules and access. https://www.intsocialcapital.org/events/
- Disaster Resilience with Jeff Donaldson. They hosted their first event: Safety, Trust & Communication In Emergencies: Disability In Crisis.
- Chilean Social Capital Circle hosted events (in Spanish) can be seen at:
- ISCA Webinar Series with Tristan Claridge
- Social Capital Measurement with Eunice Park
- Social Capital Paradigm with Tristan Claridge
- Research Design and Mentoring with Beverly Sloan
Other News and Events
Some events being hosted by our network partners are below:
Social Connection Collective Book Club: The Paradox of Proximity: preventing Urban Loneliness (June 4 @ 12:00 PM EST / 6:00 PM CET / 17:00 UTC)
Join the Social Connection Collective for a conversation with Ann-Britt Elvin Andersen and Jakob Norman-Hansen, founders of BLOXHUB and authors of The Paradox of Proximity: Preventing Urban Loneliness. This is an opportunity to discuss the book, explore how urban design shapes connection, and engage in Q&A with the authors.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqxlS_TvCReSF0LbMpmvzAJYMWw8c2rGbrljLUDax6-bxO9A/viewform
GILC Global Connection Forum: What Heals Division? Social Connection to Repair and Prevent Polarization (June 17 @ 3:00 PM EST / 9:00 PM CET / 20:00 UTC)
A global convening of leaders across policy, health, philanthropy, and industry to move the dialogue to implementation. Join GILC during the 2026 Global Loneliness Awareness Week.
Link: https://www.gilc.global/event-details/gilcs-annual-connection-forum-1
Countering Narratives of AI inevitability (June 17 @ 3:00 PM EST / 9:00 PM CET / 20:00 UTC)
Join RSA US for a fireside chat exploring how creators can navigate AI in ways that strengthen connection, creativity, and human agency. Hosted by Christabel Nsiah-Buadi FRSA with Tania Duarte FRSA as part of the AudioDiaspora x RSA US series, the conversation will examine how we can engage with AI intentionally and ensure technology serves as a tool for deeper human connection rather than replacing it.
Link: https://www.thersa.org/events/2026/06/countering-narratives-of-ai-inevitability/
Joyful Connection Masterclass with RSA US (June 18 @ 12:00 PM EST / 6:00 PM CET / 17:00 UTC)
Connect and learn with fellow connection leaders at this interactive workshop hosted by Covve’s Connection Crew, designed for people passionate about social health, belonging, and community. Build your toolkit with practical connection activities while enjoying meaningful conversations, peer learning, and new connections.
Link: https://luma.com/connectioncrewjun26
Mighty Networks
Our community platform is evolving! To make it easier for people to connect and collaborate, we’ve now opened access to everyone — not just ISCA members. This means you can freely invite colleagues, students, and friends who are interested in social capital to join the conversation.
As our interest groups grow, this open approach will create a more vibrant, inclusive, and accessible space for discussion, idea sharing, and collaboration. We encourage you to help us build this community by inviting others to join.
You can share this invitation link: https://intsocialcapital.mn.co//invite, or invite people directly by email from that page.
Together, let’s make the ISCA Community a lively hub for connection and collaboration — and be recognised as an ambassador helping to grow the global social capital movement.
An invitation to share your work
Are you using social capital theory in your research, public-facing writing or practice? Please submit information about your work so we can share it on our website. Listings will not include the full text, but links to text or downloads can be included.
Stay in touch
We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you have about ISCA. ISCA board members can be contacted through the Governance page.
