Call for Participation/Papers

Microscopic Records: The New Interdisciplinarity of Early Modern Studies, c. 1400–1800

The University of Manchester

This British Academy Rising Star Engagement Event will explore the significance of scientific technologies and laboratories for the study of early modern material culture. Microscopic Records will comprise several masterclasses with hands-on training and discussions of specific technologies and scientific approaches, as well as a symposium with presentations.

Applications are invited from Early Career Researchers and more experienced experts of material culture studies whose research on early modern material culture transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. Researchers whose studies explore the intersection between the history of early modern material culture and scientific enquiries are particularly encouraged to respond to this call for papers/participation.

The format of the event, combining masterclasses in Manchester laboratories with a symposium, shall combine hands-on training with further theoretical discussions about the possibilities of studying early modern material culture with technological and scientific means. Relevant materials will circulate in advance. This format will allow for ideas and approaches to be shared and productively discussed across disciplinary boundaries.

Application

Please note that this CfP is a call for participation and/or papers.

If you wish to attend the/a masterclass/es and present your research during the symposium (papers should last 20 mins), your application shall comprise:

• a short bio (300 words)
• the title of the proposed paper
• a short abstract of the proposed paper (500 words)

If you wish to attend the/a masterclass/es without presenting your research during the symposium, your application shall comprise:

• a short bio (300 words)
• a letter of motivation (500 words), which outlines how your research engages with the event’s topic, and how your research would benefit from attending this event’s masterclasses.

Please note that masterclass participants are expected to attend the public symposium.

Applications should be sent via email to stefan.hanss@manchester.ac.uk.

The application deadline is 1 December 2019.

Financial support

Thanks to the generous support of the British Academy, travel bursaries are available for circa 15 masterclass participants and speakers. Please note that speakers will receive higher bursaries than participants. Food and refreshments will be provided during the event.