SOLWE 2026
SOLWE 2026 will take place 7–8 December 2026 at Borås Kongress.
The conference aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, and representatives from user rights organisations to discuss issues related to co-creation and social innovation in times of crisis and disaster within welfare. The focus is on governance, organisation, and leadership based on the challenges of the future in social work and its related collaborative actors.
An important part of the conference is network-building and the exchange of knowledge and experience regarding current and ongoing research at national and international levels. The intention is also to identify new research questions and initiate new cross-boundary co-creative research projects.
SOLWE 2026 is aimed at researchers from various disciplines, practitioners in social work, the police, rescue services, health and medical care, and others, as well as representatives of various user rights organisations with an interest in co-creative research in the field.
The conference is organised in collaboration with Mötesplats Social Innovation (MSI).
For enquiries, please contact Maria Wolmesjö, Professor of Social Work: maria.wolmesjo@hb.se
Call for Abstracts
The SOLWE 2026 conference welcomes researchers, practitioners, educators, doctoral students, policymakers, service users and representatives from civil society and community organisations to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations.
Submission deadline: 15 October 2026
Registration
Registration is now open for SOLWE 2026.
Please register by 20 November 2026.
Conference fee
Conference fee: 2500 SEK excluding VAT.
The fee includes the conference dinner and lunch on both days of the conference.
Conference theme
The theme of the SOLWE 2026 conference Co-Creating Social Innovations in Times of Crisis and Disaster: Leading and Organising Social Work of the Future highlights the growing need for collaborative, innovative, and adaptive approaches to addressing complex social challenges. In an era marked by pandemics, climate-related disasters, armed conflicts, economic uncertainty, and demographic changes, social work plays a crucial role in supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by crises.
The conference focuses on how social workers, collaborative partners (police, healthcare, fire and rescue service, voluntary/community organisations), researchers, policymakers, service users, and other stakeholders can work together to develop social innovations, which strengthen resilience, inclusion, and well-being. Co-creation emphasizes the value of shared knowledge, participation, and partnership in designing solutions that are responsive to local needs and grounded in the lived experiences of those most affected by crises and disasters.
At the same time, the conference explores the leadership and organizational capacities required for the future of social work. Rapidly changing social conditions demand flexible organizations, interdisciplinary collaboration, digital innovation, and effective crisis management. Leaders in social work must be able to navigate uncertainty, promote sustainability, support professional well-being, and facilitate meaningful community engagement.
By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, the conference aims to advance knowledge, inspire new partnerships, and foster innovative practices that contribute to stronger, more resilient societies. Ultimately, the conference seeks to explore how social work can continue to evolve and lead positive social change in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world.