Exploring Resistance and Solidarity in Catastrophes: Insights from the Post-Conference Symposium at Dublin City University
- Minority Issues Research Institute (MIRI)
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
The Post-Conference Symposium titled "Precarious Lives: Resistance, Solidarity, and Research during Catastrophes" brought together scholars, activists, and researchers at Dublin City University (DCU) on June 19–20, 2026.
Organized by the Social Movements Research Network of the Council for European Studies (CES), this event followed the 32nd International Conference of Europeanists. It focused on how social movements and grassroots groups respond to crises, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and ethical research during catastrophes.
About the symposium and MIRI researcher participation
The main objective of the symposium was to investigate how grassroots groups organize during different types of catastrophes. As well as participants examined resistance, studying how marginalized populations build solidarity and maintain resistance against state oppression and structural inequalities. Discussion revolved around the ethics of academic research during ongoing disasters, focusing on knowledge production that protects and supports vulnerable communities.
Dr Svetluša Surová, Director and Senior Researcher at the Minority Issues Research Institute (MIRI), participated as a speaker and contributor at this symposium. She presented her research notes from examining the impact of COVID-19 measures on Marginalized Roma Communities (MRCs) during the pandemic and offered insights into methodological and ethical challenges of empirical research.
Traditional research methods often risk exploiting vulnerable communities by collecting data without offering tangible benefits or protection. Therefore, researchers need to rethink their role from detached experts to partners supporting social justice.
Participants of the CES-RN post-conference "Precarious Lives: Resistance, Solidarity, and Research during Catastrophes", Dublin, June 19-20, 2026
Importance of symposium
The Post-Conference Symposium at Dublin City University provided a valuable space to rethink how societies confront catastrophes. It showed that resistance and solidarity are not just reactions but vital forces shaping the future. The event bridged gaps between theory and practice, making research more relevant and responsive to real-world struggles. As crises continue to challenge humanity, embracing ethical, collaborative approaches in both activism and research will be key to protecting precarious lives.
For more information about the conference, panels and paper titles, explore the programme below.
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