About the Annual Conference
The BRISMES conference is the largest and most prestigious annual UK gathering of scholars and practitioners focusing on the region. The event moves around the country as it is hosted by a different UK university every year. At the conference, BRISMES invites researchers from all disciplines to explore that year’s theme or to present any aspect of their Middle East Studies research. You can propose an individual paper, panel and/or roundtable, receive feedback from academics working on similar themes, and attend as a publisher or non-presenting delegate. The 2025 annual conference will take place in person in Newcastle, a vibrant city in the northeast of England, along the River Tyne.
Why Joining the BRISMES Annual Conference
Watch this video-interview with Asma Asiri, a doctoral researcher at the University of Sussex, discussing her experience of presenting at the BRISMES Conference for the first time.
Highlights
- Newcastle University will be the 2025 host for our annual conference;
- Two days and a half of inspiring panels, roundtables and talks;
- A welcome reception on July 1;
- Dinner on July 2 with a music event;
- A publishers’ exhibition;
- One keynote speech from a renowned academic in the field of Middle East Studies.
The Conference Venue
The conference will take place in the Newcastle University campus across two venues: the Herschel and Henry Daysh Buildings, all within proximity. It’s an attractive and compact campus that offers a lively student atmosphere while being only a short walk from the city center. It has a modern and equipped library, learning and sports facilities, cafes, bars and a multi-faith centre, amongst other amenities.
Access and Support
BRISMES strives to make our annual conference accessible for delegates with additional needs. Newcastle University has made significant efforts to ensure that its campus is accessible and inclusive for all students, staff, and visitors. They provide a range of services, facilities, and adaptations to accommodate people with various accessibility needs. If you have any questions about access and support at the conference, please write to conference@brismes.org.
Bursaries
The Solidarity Fund
In its aims towards a more inclusive in-person event, BRISMES operates a Solidarity Fund for colleagues without institutional funding or facing financial hardship. The Solidarity Fund covers accommodation, visa and registration costs.
Childcare
In 2025, we will continue to support delegates with children by either offering on-site childcare or providing a number of childcare bursaries.
Database of Expertise
The Database of Expertise in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies provides a publicly available list of MENA experts with their research and areas of expertise.
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