The biennial mid-term conference of Research Network 31 (RN31) of the European Sociological Association, focusing on "Ethnic Relations, Racism, and Antisemitism," is a highly esteemed event within the international academic community. Passau has been selected as the host city for the next conference in August/September 2025.
RN31 is the only global network uniting social scientists who research both racism and antisemitism, making this conference unique in its approach. Since its founding in 2008, the network has gained influence and is at the forefront of critical discussions bridging the gap between racism and antisemitism research. The network is committed to understanding how different social, political, and historical contexts shape various forms of racism and antisemitism in Europe and beyond. In light of the increasing tendency to separate or pit these forms of hatred (and their study) against one another, this forum is more important than ever to facilitate dialogue among researchers.
Over 100 participants, including both established scholars and early-career researchers, will attend the conference, contributing to Passau’s international reputation as a center for social sciences. Additionally, the conference aligns with the university's key themes, such as Europe, global transformation, migration, justice, digitalization, and (internet) cultures. It will explore how global changes—including migration and digital platforms—impact the spread of racist and antisemitic ideologies while also addressing solutions to combat hate and promote equality.
The conference will deepen existing research collaborations and support the professional development of early-career researchers in the fields of racism and antisemitism studies.
