CfP: Double-Helix History: DNA and the past

University of Manchester, 17-18 January 2019

Keynote speakers: Turi King (University of Leicester) and Catherine Nash (Queen Mary, University of London)

Ancient-DNA analysis, DNA for genealogy, Cheddar Man, Richard III, the ‘Golden State Killer’, DNA and IQ – the use of genetic science is extremely high profile at the moment, discussed around the world in academic journals and popular publications alike.

This conference, part of the AHRC-funded ‘Double-Helix History’ project, seeks papers discussing the role and impact of genetic science on the understanding, imagining, and use of the past. 

Key questions include: 
·      Does genetics change the way we think about history, and of the human?
·      How is genetic science presented and understood in popular culture?
·      How does direct-to-consumer genetic testing affect our understanding and imagining of the past?
·      What are the key questions that Ancient DNA analysis raises for society?
·      How does genetic science challenge ‘traditional’ modes of historical knowledge?
·      How does genetics impact upon our understanding of history, race, identity, and gender?
We seek papers from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. Different and innovative types of delivery (poster, panel, conversation) will also be considered.

Please send abstracts of 250 words to Jerome de Groot: Jerome.degroot@manchester.ac.uk
Abstract deadline: 15 September 2019

There are travel bursaries available for PGRs and ECRs. There will be no charge for the conference and speakers will have their accommodation covered.

For more information on the project: http://projects.alc.manchester.ac.uk/double-helix-history/
or follow @doublehelixhist