Both have researched and written widely around issues involving young people, poverty and worklessness.
The aim of the conference is to set the agenda for the future study of youth and young adulthood in ways that build on past achievements, identify new directions and fresh perspectives to enhance the understanding of young people鈥檚 experiences.
Professor MacDonald, whose research interests include sociology, criminology, social policy and youth studies, said: 'As well as delivering our own research papers, we will be chairing roundtables of some of the most established and most promising youth researchers internationally, to take stock, learn lessons and set out new agendas for youth research in the future.'
The conference will include a mix of talks from leading researchers in the field, debate on topical issues and theoretical concerns and themed paper sessions.