We would to invite PhD-students and early career researchers to submit an abstract for the NDiMS 2017, taking place at the University of Leicester on the 3th of July, 2017.

Social and political developments in the UK, the US but also globally has reinforced uncertainty among many. The success of the Brexit campaign and successively the triggering of Article 50 and the presidency of Donald Trump are two pivotal turning-points forces us to critically rethink issues around social and physical (im)mobilities and for instance the potential contradictions between globalisation and nationalism, cosmopolitanism and nativism. They can also make us rethink supposedly progressive narratives around the post-national, post-radical and post-feminism. What space is there for critical thinking in this ever-increasing neoliberalising world? 

In this conference we aim to rethink the role of social science research situated within the fields of Media, Communication and Sociology not only to further understand what is going on in the world and to enhance academic knowledge. We might also want to consider how our research can potentially contribute to social change, for instance through connections and communication. Moreover, dark(er) times not only need enlightenment, but also entertainment. How can we be engaged and unite without becoming depressed or discouraged, and incorporate elements of play and care within our research?