Call for papers: First Birkbeck-QMUL Historical Studies and Society and Environment Graduate Symposium
When:
—
Venue:
TBC
Submission of abstracts closes end of the day on 30 January, 2026. (Event 11 March 2026)
Call for Participation
We invite MPhil/PhD students from the School of Historical Studies at Birkbeck and the School of Society and Environment at QMUL to send in applications for the first Birkbeck-QMUL Graduate Symposium in London (Birkbeck campus) on 11 March 2026.
The theme for the presentations and discussions will be «Methodologies in Graduate Research». Papers will be organised into panels of 3 minute, 5 minute, and 15 minute presentations, followed by Q&A. There will also be a Keynote panel discussion to kickstart the day.
We welcome proposals from all periods and areas. Students in all stages of their PhD are advised to consult with their supervisors and choose the preferred length of presentation. We also encourage those who focus on interdisciplinary approaches in their research to contribute, for example between History and Gender Studies.
We have chosen the theme since the methodologies of research practice – be they archival research, oral histories, practice-based, on-ground, experiment, survey or interview-based to name a few – either as the only or one of the approaches in a combination, inform so much of our work. They determine not just the scope of the research itself but also the form, depth and reach of our work. Significantly, methodologies are not a singular approach and almost always develop, evolve, and transform during the course of the MPhil/PhD itself. Therefore, they prompt fertile discussions about our sources, challenges and perspectives.
Students wishing to present in the symposium are invited to send in their submissions – and include the chosen format (3 minute, 5 minute, or 15 minute presentation), a title, a 150-word-long abstract and the primary methodology / methodologies employed. Please also indicate whether you are a full-time or part-time student, year of study and whether you are with Birkbeck or QMUL. If you have any accessibility requirements, please mention them as well. Submission of abstracts will close EOD on January 30, 2026. If you do not wish to submit a paper but would still like to attend and join the discussion, please register your interest in participation.
Send in your abstract submissions, interests for participation and questions, if any to PostgradCFP@outlook.com. We will communicate the decisions and share a detailed schedule for the symposium in February 2026.
We look forward to an engaging and informative discussion and look forward to seeing you all at the First Birkbeck-QMUL Graduate Symposium.
In partnership with the Raphael Samuel History Centre
Contact name: Katy Pettit
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