Where Next? Rethinking Research, Policy and Practice
A BSA Deconstructing Donation Special Interest Group Event
1 July 2027
Cardiff University, UK
Background
Research into organ, tissue, blood and body donation continues to expand, bringing new insights into the social, ethical, cultural, political and clinical dimensions of donation. Yet important questions remain about how this growing body of knowledge is shaping policy, influencing practice and responding to changing public expectations, technological developments and inequalities.
What or where next?
Deconstructing Donation 2027 invites researchers, practitioners, policymakers and people with lived experience to reflect critically on the current state of ‘donation’ and consider what needs to happen next.
What have we learned, and what questions remain unanswered? Which assumptions, policies and practices need to be challenged? Where are the gaps between research evidence, policy ambitions and everyday experiences? And how might we develop new approaches that are more equitable, ethically robust and responsive to the needs of individuals, families and communities?
This year's meeting aims to move the conversation forward, creating space not only to share findings and critique established approaches, but also to identify new research priorities, challenge disciplinary boundaries and explore opportunities for meaningful change.
Call for Abstracts
We welcome contributions from across the social sciences, humanities, health sciences, and clinical practice and related disciplines that engage critically with the present and future of donation.
We particularly encourage submissions that move beyond describing problems to consider their implications, identify emerging questions, develop new theoretical or methodological approaches, or explore opportunities for change.
Potential areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Rethinking established assumptions: Challenging dominant narratives, concepts and theoretical frameworks surrounding donation, including altruism, choice, consent, reciprocity and the 'gift'.
- From evidence to practice: Examining the relationship between research, policy and clinical practice, including implementation challenges, unintended consequences and opportunities for meaningful change.
- Inequalities, inclusion and justice: Understanding how social, cultural, economic and institutional inequalities shape donation opportunities, experiences, decision-making and outcomes.
- Trust, relationships and public engagement: Exploring trust and distrust in donation systems, institutional accountability, public narratives, misinformation and the changing relationships between individuals, communities and institutions.
- Emerging ethical and societal challenges: Considering how innovations, new technologies and changing donation practices challenge established ethical, legal and social frameworks.
- Lived experiences and neglected perspectives: Bringing greater attention to donors, recipients, families, those who decline donation, and individuals and communities whose experiences remain marginalised in research and policy.
- New directions in research: Advancing theory, methodology, interdisciplinary collaboration, co-production and public involvement, including identifying unanswered questions and priorities for future research.
The meeting will provide an opportunity to identify shared challenges, develop new collaborations and contribute to a forward-looking interdisciplinary research agenda.
Who should submit?
We welcome submissions from established and early-career researchers, postgraduate students, healthcare professionals, policymakers, practitioners, charities and individuals with lived experience. Submissions from early career researchers/healthcare practitioners are especially encouraged. Completed research, work in progress, conceptual and theoretical contributions, methodological innovations and critical perspectives are all encouraged.
Presentation Formats
Accepted abstracts will be selected for oral or poster presentations.
How to Submit
Please submit an abstract of no more than 300 words to the organiser .
Submissions should include a title, author name(s) and affiliation(s), and broadly follow these headings where relevant:
- Background/context and aims
- Methods or approach
- Findings, arguments or emerging insights
- Conclusions and implications for future research, policy or practice
Abstract submission deadline: 7 February 2027
Notification of acceptance: 28 February 2027
To support early planning, all eligible abstracts will be provisionally accepted for a virtual poster presentation. Following the submission deadline, abstracts will be reviewed and authors notified whether they have been selected for an oral or poster presentation.
Registration
Before 1 March 2027
- BSA member: £35
- Non member: £45
On or after 1 March
- BSA member: £55
- Non member: £65
Accommodation and Travel
The venue is within walking distance of Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Central railway station. Accommodation options are available through Booking.com. Cardiff Airport is approximately 30 minutes away by car, and Bristol Airport 45–60 minutes.
Important: The Tour de France finishes in Cardiff on 4 July 2027, so accommodation is likely to be in high demand. We strongly encourage delegates to register and book accommodation early.