The Politics of Inequality

←

In_equality
Conference
2026

In_equality Conference 2026 
15-17 April 2026

Bodenseeforum Konstanz & online

The In_equality Conference 2026 is dedicated to exploring the political causes and consequences of inequality across various dimensions and domains.

The conference addresses questions in empirical domains including education, labor markets, health care, minority and language rights, and climate change.

Conference format:

  • The conference will be organized as a climate friendly conference, focusing on reducing and avoiding CO2 emissions wherever possible.
  • In-person event for presenters with digital / hybrid option for further attendees. All sessions, talks, and discussions will be live-streamed.
  • Talks in multiple moderated panels plus “Satellite”-panels’ on cross-cutting topics.
  • There will also be an opportunity for poster presentations, allowing
    participants to showcase their research visually and interact with attendees.

About the Conference:

This is a research-focused academic conference. Presentations and discussions centre on scientific research on the political dimensions of inequality and are conducted in an academic format. The conference is therefore primarily intended for researchers and academics; it is not designed as a policy or advocacy forum.

Speakers

Learn more about the keynote speakers at In_equality Conference 2026:

Registration

Registration for on-site participation is closed. You may register for online participation until 8 April. Please note that registration is mandatory in order to participate in the conference.

We use ConfTool to handle registrations and tickets. Please find the link below. 

  • Online Participation 0 €

    Online only

Register now

 

Code of Conduct

Please also note our Code of Conduct and Awareness Concept. By registering for the conference, participants agree to comply with these principles.

Our program consists of 43 panels totaling 116 talks, as well as two roundtables. Learn more about our conference speakers below.

Kun Lee

Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research

Show all speakers
Show less speakers

Program 2026

The full program may be downloaded (PDF) here.

Join us in Constance for three days of more than 100 inspiring talks, five innovative keynote lectures by leading inequality researchers, a compelling satellite program, and a vibrant accompanying program across the city.

Location

The In_equality Conference 2026 will take place in the beautiful southern German town of Konstanz – more on which below.
 
Our conference venue is once again the Bodenseeforum Konstanz. 

On-Site Location

Bodensee­forum Konstanz
Reichenau­str. 21
D-78467 Konstanz, Germany

(© Guido Kasper)

Travel information

(© F. Bucher under creative commons)

Travel Information

Things to do in Konstanz

For some time out, Konstanz invites you to stroll and linger. The promenade along the shore of the Seerhein, starting directly at the Bodenseeforum, is wonderful for a walk. Countless public places to linger by the water and the park by the bicycle bridge offer plenty of space for leisure.

From there, you can also walk the “Seestraße” along Lake Constance if you want to go for a longer walk. There are also cafes on the way, for a drink on the go and banks to linger in.

If you arrive a day earlier or are still staying in Constance and would like to make an excursion, a trip to Meersburg is a good idea. Here you can take the ferry from Constance and already enjoy the way there. Meersburg offers many places to eat and drink. It is especially nice to walk along the promenade or to go to the state wine estate, which sells its own wine. The winery is situated higher up on a small mountain, so you have a beautiful view over the lake when you sit outside.

Bars and Restaurants

As the pulsating centre of the four-country region of Lake Constance, Constance offers many locations for night owls and connoisseurs: from traditional wine taverns and secluded beer gardens to cosy bars, cafés and pubs, there is something for everyone here.

The historic old town, together with the Niederburg, are good places to go: beer lovers will find the “Joh. Albrecht brewery”, the “Constanzer Wirtshaus”, the “Brauerei Ruppaner”, the “Bierboutique” and the “Hafenhalle”. The breweries are also good places to eat. For wine lovers, on the other hand, there are several wine taverns in the old town, e.g. “Zur Steinernen Kugel” in Hohenhausgasse or the “Weinstube Niederburg“. Among young people, the “Heimat“, “Destille” or the “Klimperkasten” are also popular bars. The “Blaue Engel” is recommended as a cocktail bar.

Konstanz also has a lot to offer in the way of culinary delights. In the immediate vicinity of the Bodenseeforum is the “Friedrichs“. Refreshingly different is the restaurant with terrace directly on the Seerhein promenade with a view of the water and the old town. In the evening, gourmets can be surprised here with modern, regional and seasonal dishes.

The restaurant “Konzil” offers Baden cuisine with historic halls as well as a lakeside terrace with a view of the harbour, lake and the landmark of the city of Constance, the Imperia.

French cuisine can be found at the “Brasserie Colette Tim Raue“. Berlin star chef Tim Raue is a firm gastronomic fixture in the Lake Constance region. Young and old enjoy French classics here as well as dishes from the weekly changing lunch menu.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a place to have breakfast or brunch, the “Stadtkind” in the Paradies district or the “Cafe Auszeit” are ideal.

Read more

Read less

In_equality Research Award 2026

© Jordis Schlösser

The In_equality Research Award honours exceptional research achievements with a large social impact and significant contributions to improving social systems. The Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality” at the University of Konstanz presents the 2026 award to renowned sociologist Steffen Mau.

Steffen Mau is Professor of Macrosociology at Humboldt University of Berlin and Director at the Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Sciences. His research focuses on key challenges facing modern societies, including social inequality, migration, transnationalization, and the role of borders in a globalized world. He combines theoretical perspectives with empirical research and makes a significant contribution to understanding societal polarization and processes of transformation.

A look back at In_equality Conference 2024 & 2022

Former Conferences

Current Event
In_equality Conference 2026

Other Cluster Events