International

Conference on Albinism

16-18 September 2025

Lancaster University, UK

To mark 10 years of the mandate of the Independent Expert on the Rights of Persons with Albinism

PROGRAMME

Call for Papers

We invite proposals for presentations at an in-person conference on albinism to be held at Lancaster University, UK from 16-18 September 2025.

Since the establishment of the mandate of the Independent Expert on Albinism with the adoption of resolution A/HRC/RES/28/6 on 10 April 2015, the multiple, often-intersecting issues facing persons with albinism have become more visible. 

These include the threats of skin cancer and climate change, barriers to inclusion in education, employment and community life, and attitudinal barriers which are shaped by misinformation and cultural beliefs.

The conference will bring together researchers in the fields of genetics, ophthalmology, dermatology and oncology, those in the arts, humanities and social sciences, albinism advocates, associations and human rights defenders, to share expertise and new research findings. 

We particularly invite presentations which open new perspectives on albinism internationally.

Proposals

We welcome proposals for presentations (20 minutes), panel proposals (3 x 20 minute presentations), and round table discussions (up to 5 speakers and a chair) 

Proposals may focus on, but are not limited to:

  • Albinism and human rights

  • The role of the mandate 

  • Albinism advocacy 

  • Social inclusion, development and well-being

  • Advances in genetic research

  • Ophthalmology and visual sciences

  • Dermatology, photoprotection and skin cancer

  • The impact of climate change

  • Albinism, bodies and personhood

  • Colourism and Intersectionality

  • The Contextualisation of Care

  • Albinism and gender

  • Cultural representations of albinism

Specific calls for papers are open for streams on: 

Submitting a Proposal

  • Abstracts of 200 words for each presentation should include a title and be accompanied by a 100-word biographical note for each speaker. 

  • Round table proposals should include a title, 200-word summary of the theme and 100-word bios for each speaker and the chair.

  • Proposals should be submitted to Charlotte Baker c.baker@lancaster.ac.uk with the subject line Albinism conference proposal by Wednesday 23rd April 2025. 

Deadline

23rd April 2025

Keynote Speakers

  • UN Independent Expert on the Enjoyment of Rights by Persons with Albinism

  • The Open Eyes Foundation

Organizing Committee

  • Professor Charlotte Baker

    (Lancaster University, UK)

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  • Dr Elvis Imafidon

    SOAS, University of London, UK)

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  • Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD

    (Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, USA)

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  • Holly Key, Postgraduate Representative

    (Lancaster University, UK)

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  • Muluka-Anne Miti Drummond

    (UN Independent Expert on the Rights of Persons with Albinism)

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  • Professor Luis Montoliu

    (CNB-CSIC, Spain)

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  • Professor Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham

    (Trinity North Western, Canada)

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  • Dr Mervyn Thomas, MD

    (University of Leicester, UK)

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