Call for Proposals: International Access to Justice Forum 2026
Victoria Law Foundation, in partnership with Monash University, Faculty of Law, invites proposals for the International Access to Justice Forum 2026, to be held in Melbourne from 28 to 30 October 2026.
Connect evidence to people‑centred justice
The Forum brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and justice system leaders from around the world to strengthen the global community working to improve access to justice. Over three days, we will create a shared space for quantitative and qualitative research, evaluation, data and lived experience to sit alongside frontline practice and innovation. Building on previous Forums in Los Angeles Irvine (2023), Toronto (2024), and New York (2025), the Melbourne Forum will continue a strong tradition of cross-border dialogue, collaboration, and understanding.
Theme: Evidence and Action
At a time of growing complexity and pressure on justice systems, the Forum focuses on the dynamic relationship between research and action. Distinguished by its empirical and outcomes-orientation, the Forum will examine what works, why it works, and how evidence can be translated into real-world impact across different legal and social contexts. The Forum also recognises that action itself generates evidence. Learning from implementation, experimentation, and practice-based insight is central to building smarter systems, improving outcomes, and avoiding well-intentioned but ineffective reforms.
Call for Proposals
The Forum welcomes contributions that deepen our understanding of what improves access to justice - and just as importantly, what does not. Whether you are conducting empirical research, delivering frontline services, leading system reform, designing policy, or bringing a lived experience perspective, your voice is vital to this shared global conversation.
We invite proposals that contribute to improved access to justice, bridging evidence and action across four topics.
- Empirical research for access to justice: evidence for what works
- Justice systems and institutions
- Justice in a Changing World
- People-Centred Justice
We welcome submissions, both published and in development. Proposals should highlight evidence, insights, and innovations from across disciplines, sectors and jurisdictions. Interdisciplinary, comparative, and practice-based proposals are strongly encouraged.
As the Forum brings together people with diverse experiences and perspectives, proposals should support inclusive engagement, discussion and reflection across research, policy and practice.
Submissions are open until 22 May 2026. More details are available on the Forum webpage about the theme, topics, presentation formats and submission requirements. Notification of outcomes will be on a rolling basis, commencing late May 2026.
Conference Details
International Access to Justice Forum 2026
Date: Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 October 2026
To be held in Melbourne, Australia
In the coming months, the VLF will be sharing the conference program, keynote speakers, information on travel and accommodation for Melbourne, and opportunities to participate in collaborative sessions.
For questions about the conference or call for proposals, please contact the Victoria Law Foundation events team at events@victorialawfoundation.org.au.
We look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne and to building new insights and connections that advance access to justice.