Critical Policy Discourse Analysis – International Conference 2026

Critical Policy Discourse Analysis – International Conference 2026 is a three‑day international gathering dedicated to the critical study of policy texts, talk, and wider discursive practices. Hosted at The Mowbray, Kelham Island (Sheffield, UK), the conference brings together scholars who work on policy text and discourse from a critical perspective.

The conference offers a unique forum to explore how policy problems, actors, and solutions are discursively constructed; how power, ideology, and inequality are reproduced, normalised, or resisted in policy discourse; and how policy texts are embedded in wider socio‑economic and political dynamics. We particularly welcome contributions engaging with CPDA, but also with related approaches in critical discourse analysis, critical policy analysis, interpretive policy analysis, and cultural political economy, across any policy sector or geographical context.

We warmly invite academics, doctoral researchers, and others working critically on policy discourse to join us in Sheffield for this landmark event.

Programme overview

15 June 2026 (09:00–17:00): PhD pre-conference (12 places for PhD students only)

16–18 June 2026 (09:00–17:00 on days 1–2, and 09:00–16:00 on day 3): Main conference

Registration

3 February 2026 - registration opens for PhD pre-conference (12 places for PhD students only)

1 March - 8 May - Early-bird registration for main conference

8 May - 29 May - Late registration for main conference

PhD pre-conference (12 places for PhD students only): registration fee £300 includes participation in PhD pre-conference AND attendance at all 3-days of the main conference (4 days)

Early-bird registration for main conference: registration fee is £300 for full-time academics/£275 for PhDs (not attending pre-conference) (3-days)

Late registration for main conference:  registration fee is £350 for full-time academics/£325 for PhDs (not attending pre-conference) (3-days)

Registration is required for all attendees.

Registration includes entry to the conference, teas and coffees, morning and afternoon snacks, and lunch on each day.

PhD pre-conference

For up to 12 PhD students to present their work, receive focused feedback, and build international networks around critical approaches to policy discourse. PhD students who register for the pre-conference will be given a minimum of 30 minutes to present their work (at whatever stage of development it is at) and for feedback. All those who register will be accepted to present their work.

Registration for the PhD pre-conference also includes attendance at the main conference.