30 September – 1 October 2026 in Berlin, Germany
Fragile Lives convenes international experts from academia, policy, and practice on the use of rigorous evidence to study the drivers, dynamics, and impacts of poly-crises. The conference focuses on lives and livelihoods shaped by crises such as violent conflict, humanitarian emergencies, and the climate crisis. Fragile Lives 2026 is hosted by ISDC – International Security and Development Center cooperation with the Zero Hunger Lab of Humboldt University of Berlin and the Leibniz Institute of Vegetables and Ornamental Crops (IGZ) and will take place on 30 September – 1 October 2026 in Berlin, Germany.
Fragile Lives is once again partnering with the Households in Conflict Network (HiCN) to host its annual workshop. Since 2005, HiCN has fostered academic research and discussion on the micro-level experiences and consequences of violent conflict.
Fragile Lives 2026 invites papers and sessions that analyze the micro-level causes, dynamics and consequences of crisis, insecurity and violent conflict around the world. Themes of interest include farming, gender, migration, forced displacement, food security, nutrition, poverty, inequality, political behavior, attitudes, peacebuilding, demography, mental health, public health, climate change, shocks, coping strategies, and the impacts of policies and programs. A common theme of all contributions is the micro-perspective on fragile contexts or the triple nexus.
We also invite submissions of entire 90-minute sessions designating a chair, speakers, and discussants. We value diversity in experiences and voices within panels. If you are interested in organising such a session, please send submissions directly to fragilelives@zerohunger.de.
The keynote speakers will be Caitriona Dowd, Assistant Professor in University College Dublin’s School of Politics and International Relations (SPIRe) and Juan Vargas, Professor of Political Economy at the University of Turin and Carlo Alberto Chair at the Collegio Carlo Alberto.
Submissions are due by 7 April 2026 via the submission form. While we welcome both full papers and extended abstracts, preference will be given to complete but unpublished papers. We aim to inform the authors of selection results by 15 May 2026. We ask presenters to cover their own travel expenses and the registration fee of €160. Presenters pursuing their PhD are eligible for a reduced registration fee of €100. Fragile Lives 2026 will take place in the city center of Berlin, Germany; participation will be in person only.
Find out more about Fragile Lives: zerohunger.de/fragile-lives/
Contact the organizers: fragilelives@zerohunger.de
