CfP: Building National Character: science, politics, and citizenship in 19th and 20th century Europe, 21 May 2021

 This is a call for participation to contribute to a one-day workshop exploring the relationship between science and politics in the construction of national identities and citizenship in 19th and 20th century Europe.

Participation will include a combination of: (a) pre-circulation of papers, (b) video presentations, (c) engagement in live panel discussions, and (d) discussion of other papers in the workshop. Papers prepared for this workshop may be included in an anthology on the subject the organisers plan to propose to UCL Press.


We encourage proposals from scholars at all stages of their careers. We especially encourage proposals on topics including: practical and political use of science in the construction of national identity; nationalism and internationalism in science; political significance of science communication; interaction between scientific and political ideas in museum exhibitions and popular science; and the use science in the household.


We envision most proposals will suggest contributions in the form of a 20-25-minute presentation and an essay approximately 8,000-10,000 words. We are happy to consider alternatives, such as short-scale introductory work (especially from early doctoral students) or mid-scale review work.


The symposium will take place online on 21 May 2021. We will consider an in-person event in London if circumstances allow.


Interested persons are asked to submit a title and abstract (approximately 200 words) to Dr Maria Kiladi by 29 January 2021.


For further information and updates please consult the workshop webpage: https://ucl.ac.uk/sts/building