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MGS Conference 2025

(Extra)Ordinary Experiences? Approaching Everyday Lives In Social Science Research

We are delighted to invite you to participate in MGS ESRC DTP Conference 2025, the Midlands Graduate School (MGS) ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership annual conference, taking place at the University of Birmingham on 23 June 2025. This event provides a platform for MGS researchers to share their research and how it impacts society.

The theme for 2025 is: (Extra)Ordinary Experiences? Approaching Everyday Lives In Social Science Research

Everyday life, often dismissed as mundane or taken for granted, is in fact a site of critical reflection and profound complexity. It is the backdrop of our routines, habits, and interactions - always present, yet frequently overlooked. However, ‘everyday life’ is multifaceted - how can researchers engage with this diversity?

We invite presenters to use the lens of everyday lives to reflect on their own research. We encourage participants to consider the notions of the ordinary and the exceptional, the habitual and the unexpected to explore how these concepts influence individuals’ well-being, shape institutional practices, and form identities. We also invite contributions focusing on innovative approaches and methodological tools in researching everyday lives.

We welcome submissions on a wide range of interdisciplinary topics that fall into the pathways of the MGS ESRC DTP.

Submission Guidelines

  • Final submission 12:00 PM (GMT), 31st March 2025
  • Submissions can include: Oral presentations (of either 15 or 20-minute talks with a Q&A); Flash Talks (5-minute talk + Q&A) or Poster presentations
  • All abstracts must represent original, unpublished research, we will also accept research plans

How to Submit

Important Deadlines

  • Conference Location and Date: Edgbaston Park Hotel, Birmingham. Monday 23rd June 2025

View the Call for Papers as a PDF


The conference programme will be available here in due course.

Edgbaston Park Hotel, Birmingham. Monday 23rd June 2025

mgsconference25@contacts.bham.ac.uk 

Abstract submission (closing midday 31st March 2025)

Follow the conference on BlueSky