Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Nordic Network on Disability Research

This article commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Nordic Network on Disability Research (NNDR) in 2027 by examining its historical development, intellectual foundations and contemporary significance. Drawing on reflections from former and current presidents, it traces NNDR’s origins in the early 1990s and its transformation from a network centred on intellectual disability to a multidisciplinary and internationally engaged platform for disability research and disability studies. Particular attention is given to the evolution of the network’s core activities—its biennial conferences and the Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research (SJDR)—which serve as key arenas for scholarly exchange, collaboration and support for early-career researchers. The article also engages with central debates that have shaped the field, including the relationship between disability research and disability studies, as well as social-relational approaches to disability within the Nordic context. Furthermore, it highlights NNDR’s increasing global outreach and its efforts to foster inclusive and diverse research communities. Finally, the article discusses ongoing challenges related to academic publishing, sustainability and changing conditions in higher education, while outlining priorities for the network’s future development. In doing so, it underscores the enduring importance of collaborative academic networks in advancing disability scholarship.