The Development Studies Association (DSA) is currently accepting paper proposals for its upcoming annual conference. Taking place at the Centre for Development Studies, University of Bath as a hybrid event between 25th and 27th June 2025, this year’s conference theme is “Navigating crisis: Dangers and opportunities in development” – providing an excellent opportunity for scholars to grapple with our unstable and unsettling times.
As ever, a number of academics within GDI have co-convened or helped with organising panels and workshops for the event (listed below). If you’re interested in submitting a paper to present at this year’s conference, you can view the full list of panels here. You’ll also find more information about DSA2025, including key dates and practical information, on the DSA’s website.
Panels convened or attended by at least one GDI academic include:
Protecting the poor and marginalized: State (in)capacity, healthcare disparities and socio-economic inequalities in LMICs
Convenors: Sandra Obiri-Yeboah (University of Ghana), Vidhya Unnikrishnan (GDI), Ruby Kodom (University of South Africa)
Abstract: The panel seeks to understand how the growing health burden in LMICs in the context of weakened state capacity and limited health provision services affects the poor and marginalized.
Reimagining and fostering rural development in an era of polycrisis across the tropics
Convenors: Sandy Nofyanza (GDI), Michaela Guo Ying Lo (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent)
Abstract: This panel explores how rural development and transformation are being (re)imagined, experienced, and enacted in the tropics — a region acutely affected by overlapping global crises. Our goal is to unpack the complex realities these communities face and explore pathways to meaningful change.
The role of non-state actors in political crises
Convenors: Muez Ali (UCL), Hamid Khalafallah (GDI), Raga Makawi (ZED/Africa International African Institute)
Abstract: This panel explores the role of non-state actors in political crises and how that challenges concepts of statehood. We invite scholars to examine how these actors gain legitimacy, provide public goods and humanitarian aid, and the impacts on traditional frameworks of aid and citizen-state relations.
Urban informality and the polycrisis [Urbanisation and development]
Convenors: Martina Manara (UCL), Graeme Young (University of Glasgow), Alice Sverdlik (University of Manchester)
Abstract: The DSA’s Urbanisation and Development Study Group calls for papers discussing urban informality as a site where we can possibly find the most acute manifestations of and the most disruptive responses to the current ‘polycrisis’.
Digital agriculture in crisis
Convenors: Ebenezer Ngissah (Wageningen University and Research), Tonny Kukeera (Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester), Nana Afranaa Kwapong (University of Lincoln)
Chair: Katarzyna Cieslik (GDI)
Discussant: Matthew Ayamga
Abstract: This panel explores why digital agriculture often fails smallholder farmers, focusing on systemic barriers like unreliable energy, inequity, and top-down approaches. It seeks solutions through inclusive innovation, local knowledge, and equitable governance for impactful, sustainable outcomes.
Challenging the crisis of migration: Rethinking the interface between development and migration
Convenors: Oliver Bakewell (GDI), Tanja Bastia (GDI)
Abstract: This panel invites papers that explore the everyday mobility that underpins so many people’s lives in the Global South; analyses of the impacts of development interventions on the mobility practices; how the concepts and practices of development can better engage with mobility.
Youth in urban social movements: New solidarities and intergenerational collaborations
Convenors: Daniela C Beltrame (GDI), Mercy Sande (Dialogue on Shelter)
Chairs: Teurai Nyamangara (Dialogue on Shelter Trust), Michelle Koyaro Matengo (Shack Dwellers International Kenya (SDI-K))
Abstract: This panel explores the pivotal role of youth engagement in social movements, centering on the challenges and opportunities for new solidarities and intergenerational collaboration. It is structured as a horizontal learning exchange and welcomes submissions in varied mediums.
Development studies in the turbulent 2020s: Reflecting on the past, looking to the future – EADI 50th anniversary roundtable and launch of special issue of EJDR [PPE SG]
Convenors: Andy Sumner (King’s College London), Pritish Behuria (GDI)
Chair: Andy Sumner (King’s College London)
Discussants: Laura Camfield (Kings College London), Pritish Behuria (GDI), Brendan Howe (Ewha Womans University), Arief Yusuf (Padjadjaran University)
Abstract: The European Association of Development Research and Training (EADI), celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024/25. This roundtable reflects on the current state of Development Studies and discusses and launches a special issue of papers. The panel is hybrid.
Breaking the mould: Seeking equity through reforging mechanisms for ‘North-South’ research collaborations
Convenors: Mohammed Ibrahim (GDI), Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai (University of Ghana Business School)
Chair: Sam Hickey (GDI)
Discussants: Eyob Balcha Gebremariam (University of Bristol), Peter Taylor (Institute of Development Studies), Katarzyna Cieslik (GDI), Justice Bawole (University of Ghana Business School)
Abstract: The complex and interwoven crises of today’s world demand evidence-based policies rooted in genuine research collaboration. This roundtable will facilitate a critical and constructive dialogue on the rhetoric and reality of designing and using mechanisms to promote equity in North-South partnerships.
Photo by Isaac Taylor
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