CfP: Senses in Modern Health/Care Environments: International and Interdisciplinary Perspectives

We are pleased to invite submissions for an interdisciplinary conference exploring the sensory aspects of environments of health and care, broadly conceived. Together, we will debate the complex intertwining of spaces, materials, technologies, bodies and human behaviour, spanning architecture and design, arts and health, history and sociology, literature, medical education, and much more.


Key details:

·       Submissions are due to sensing-spaces-project@bristol.ac.uk by 31st January 2021. We invite traditional and non-traditional paper formats, creative contributions, and other proposals, as well as pre-formed panels.

·       We will aim to let you know of the outcome of your submission by early March 2021. 

·       The conference will feature three key strands, though it is not mandatory to apply to these: Mundane Materialities of Care, Senses and Emotions, and Form and Experience: Designing for Health and Care. 

·       We are offering fee-paying commissions for up to six artists and creative practitioners to deliver creative, immersive, or interactive presentations, workshops or activities

·       Travel bursaries are available for early career, unwaged and postgraduate researchers, as well as support for international delegates. 

·       We anticipate a subsidised joining fee of approximately £50 per head (£25 per day), not including travel and accommodation.


This conference is hosted by the Wellcome Trust-funded network ‘Senses and Modern Health/care Environments: Exploring interdisciplinary and international opportunities’ (2019-22). To join the network, please see here. 

Contact details

Sensing Spaces of Healthcare team, sensing-spaces-project@bristol.ac.uk, or Dr Victoria Bates, Department of History, University of Bristol.