Decisions, Assessment, Risk and Evidence in Social Work (DARE)
The 9th Biennial International Symposium «DARE conference» will be held for the second time at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Campus Toni-Areal, from Thursday 25th June to Friday 26th June 2026.
Important dates
- Call for abstract opens: November 5, 2025
- Abstract submission deadline: February 6, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: March 13, 2026
- Registration opens: March 13, 2026
- Early bird registration closes: April 17, 2026
- Conference: June 25 and 26, 2026
Scope
This biennial DARE conference series brings together researchers, managers, educators, policy makers, regulators and experienced practitioners to share developments on the related topics of:
- Professional judgement including cognitive judgement models, use of knowledge, bias and noise, judgements under uncertainty and ignorance, sense-making, reflective practice.
- Assessment tools and processes, including screening, analysis and problem-solving; assessing needs, strengths and risks; statistical and intuitive approaches to predicting harm.
- Decision processes with clients, families, communities, professionals, and organisations.
- Risk assessment, communication, and management, including legal aspects and risk taking.
- Evidence creation, synthesis, and dissemination; the use of knowledge to inform policy, practice, teaching, management and regulation in social work.
- Ethical, emotional, technological and contextual aspects of decision making, assessment, risk and evidence.
Aims
This biennial DARE conference series brings together academics, practitioners, and policy makers to share developments on the related topics of decision, assessment, risk and evidence in social work. It is intended that the conference will provide an opportunity to strengthen networks and launch new research and development of initiatives in social work. DARE aims to support the development of professional knowledge and skills for the benefit of clients, families and societies.
Plenary speakers
Plenary speakers will be announced in late autumn.
Program
Program will be announced in spring.
Registration
Registration opens on: 13 March 2026. Prices will be announced before the call for abstracts opens.