UKSCS / SCSI Conference 2025
Co-operation among co-operators: The Irish-British connection, 21-22 February 2025, Belfast
The UK Society for Co-operative Studies and the Society for Co-operative Studies Ireland invite you to attend this landmark event in Belfast in what represents an important moment in the development of the movement across these islands.
The year 2025 has been identified as the International Year of Co-operatives with the theme of ‘Co-operatives Build a Better World’. Consequently, the UKSCS and SCSI believe we have an opportunity to bring co-operative knowledge and insights from across Ireland and Britain to understand how our movement plays a prominent role in this work.
The organisers ask delegates to consider what role co-operatives can play in building a better economy on these islands, particularly in the context of recent political developments as well as ongoing dialogue around Ireland’s constitutional future.
Key note speaker
Linda Ervine, MBE – founder and manager of Turas, a cross-community language project based in East Belfast, designed to bring people together by raising awareness of the Irish language.
Keynote speaker
Cliff Mills is a consultant working with Anthony Collins, a specialist law firm based in England, and an active member of IUS Cooperativum an international network of lawyers interested in co-operative law.
Keynote speaker
Northern Ireland Economy Minister, Conor Murphy who has served as both an MLA and MP for Newry and Armagh and held various roles including having previously served as minister for regional development, and finance minister
Key dates
| Deadline for proposals (abstracts) | 15 December 2023 - see call for papers below |
| Notification of acceptance | 10 January 2025 |
| Registration | NOW OPEN - book your place, see fees and booking information below |
| Final registration date | 17 February 2025 |
Call for Papers
Booking information and conference registration fees
The conference is being hosted by Boundary Brewing Co-operative, A4-A7, 310 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1HE. It is around 30 mins by public transport from George Best Belfast City Airport, and 10 minutes (26 minute walk) from the railway station.
A conference outline programme will be available soon.
Conference registration fees
Please use the 'Book tickets' link below to pay the appropriate fee and secure your place. Conference fees include meals and refreshments. They do not include accommodation costs and you will need to book your own accommodation. There are a number of hotels nearby - a list of some accommodation options is provided below.
| Members of UKSCS or SCSI | £80 per person |
| Concession rate for members of UKSCS or SCSI (non-waged/student)* | £40 per person |
| Non-members | £120 per person |
* Bursaries for members: There is some limited funding available to cover the registration fee for members who are presenting at the conference and do not have access to other funds. Please email [email protected] to find out more if you wish to apply for a bursary.
UKSCS/SCSI Belfast - Places to stay
UKSCS/SCSI Joint Conference Organising Committe:
Anthony Barbour (SCSI); Bridget Carroll (Treasurer, SCSI); Peter Couchman (SCSI); Peter Couchman (SCSI); Patrick Doyle (Chair, SCSI); Stephen Gill (UKSCS); Janette Hurst (UKSCS); and Elisavet Mantzari (UKSCS).
We are grateful to the Co-operative Group who are key sponsors of this event.
