The International Society for Military Sciences (ISMS) was established in October 2008 by eight defence academies to advance research and academic education in the military arts and sciences. The Society builds a network for the creation, exchange, and diffusion of knowledge across a broad range of fields — from war studies, military history, and technology to leadership, law and ethics, security policy, and defence economics.
The 2026 conference theme — Military Sciences in Action: From Operational Insights to Defence Innovation — reflects a core conviction of military science: that practical experience from operations is an indispensable driver of transformation. As contemporary conflicts generate new tactical realities, military sciences must bridge the gap between operational insight and actionable innovation, integrating rigorous analysis with cutting-edge research to enhance defence capabilities in an era of rapidly evolving threats.
The conference will explore how contemporary conflicts inform defence transformation across all fields of military scientific inquiry — from war studies illuminating evolving operational patterns, hybrid tactics, and multi-domain operations, to military history contextualising current battlefield dynamics. Further themes include how military technology adapts under combined kinetic and cyber pressures, how legal and ethical frameworks address rapid capability development, how lessons from the field are translated into education curricula, and how armed forces adapt to societal expectations during conflict.
We look forward to welcoming scholars, practitioners, and military professionals to what promises to be a stimulating exchange at the intersection of operational experience and defence innovation.
Conference Timeline
- 30 March - Abstract submission opens
- 31 May - Abstract submission deadline
- 30 June - Admission decision and notification to participants, early registration
- 31 August - Early-bird (reduced fee) registration deadline / regular price
- 9 October - End of registration
- 9-12 November - ISMS Annual Conference, Tartu, Estonia
Outline Program
- 9 November - Young Scholar Workshop - Meet and Greet
- 10 November - Opening panel, Parallel sessions, Conference Dinner
- 11 November - Parallel sessions, closing panel
- 12 November - Board meeting
More details will follow on the Conference Website
Please also consider the conference hosted by our Southern Hemisphere Partners, the University of Namibia School of Military Science and the Faculty of Military Science of Stellenbosch University.
29-30 September 2026
School of Military Science (University of Namibia) and Faculty of Military Science (Stellenbosch University)
The School of Military Science at the University of Namibia, in partnership with the Faculty of Military Science at Stellenbosch University, proudly announces its 3rd International Conference to be held from 29–30 September 2026. This high-level scholarly gathering brings together military professionals, academics, policymakers, security analysts, and industry experts to critically engage with emerging debates at the intersection of energy, security, and geopolitics. As global dynamics shift due to technological advances, climate pressures, resource competition, and evolving security threats, the conference seeks to provide a platform for evidence-based dialogue and collaborative knowledge production.
Under the theme “Energy Frontiers and Security: Exploring Resources in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape,” the conference will explore how states, institutions, and security sectors navigate the complex challenges posed by both conventional and renewable energy transitions. Discussions will interrogate the implications of energy resources on national, regional, and global security; assess the governance and sustainability dimensions of resource extraction; and reflect on how geopolitical realignments shape defence strategy, diplomacy, and security institutions. Contributors are invited to engage with contemporary debates that cut across environmental resilience, technological innovation, defence economics, military leadership, maritime and aviation security, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence.
In keeping with the School of Military Science and Faculty of Military Science’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary scholarship, the conference welcomes researchers from across Africa and the broader international community. The hybrid format hosted at the University of Namibia Main Campus with a parallel virtual platform ensures broad participation and the free exchange of ideas. Through diverse thematic sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the conference aims to advance academic collaboration, support policy-relevant research, and contribute to strengthening regional and global security capacities.
Call for papers
