RESEARCHING THE HOLOCAUST
IN THE DIGITAL AGE
The European Holocaust Research Infrastructure invites proposals for papers and interactive presentations at its international conference for archivists and researchers evaluating Holocaust-related research in the digital age, the current state of documentation and study of the Holocaust, and the role that EHRI plays in supporting and advancing these areas.
EHRI
We are interested in Holocaust-related materials in the broadest sense, as defined by the IHRA Working Definition of Holocaust-related Materials. This conference will be an excellent opportunity to make new connections with experts in the field, to discuss current opportunities and challenges, and to showcase new and innovative research.
The conference, that will take place 18 June 2024 in Warsaw, will include a mixture of presentations as well as a ‘marketplace’ with poster presentations and hands-on sessions where it will be possible to demonstrate and learn new digital techniques.
The digital turn in the humanities and social sciences has continued to grow and develop since EHRI’s creation in 2010. With this in mind, we wish to focus on the following themes in this EHRI conference:
What are good examples of the opportunities for Holocaust research in the digital age? What are any potential risks? Researchers can now search and connect a multitude of sources and studies, from wherever they are in the world. This can also lead to new complexities, such as a loss of context, or an undue focus on digitised materials at the expense of other sources. Should we worry about a possible deficit of “tacit knowledge”—the traditionally valued gains from in-person meetings in reading rooms?
How active and aware are archivists today of their crucial role with regard to access to and the study of digital resources? Archivists have always been at the forefront of selecting and providing access to sources. In the digital age, however, archival work (be it conservation, offering reference services, or other activities) is transforming faster than ever.
Which new methods are used by Holocaust researchers to present sources and research findings? How sustainable are recent innovations? The emergence of new methods (blogs, video, etc.) for presenting sources and research findings, particularly interdisciplinary approaches, rightfully excites many. How are such presentations received by professional disciplines and the general public, and how sustainable are new methods?
What concrete examples of insights, support, and efficiency gains enabled by EHRI resources can you demonstrate in your work? The examples can be related to fellowships, workshops, archival visits, online research, or dissemination.
EHRI invites proposals for papers, posters or hands-on sessions related to one or more of the above-mentioned themes with regard to Holocaust documentation and research. Preference will be given to proposals that address the resources and human network provided by EHRI.
Conference papers will be expected to last between 15 and 20 minutes. Hands-on sessions and poster presentations will take place during designated times. Registered participants will not be charged with fees for the conference. To the extent possible, financial assistance towards travel and accommodation costs for conference presenters will be provided. More details will be provided in due course.
Please submit a proposal of 250-400 words, a description of how you wish to present your research (i.e. conference paper, poster presentation or hands-on session) and a one page CV to ehriacademicconference[at]gmail.com
The working language of the event will be English.
Submission deadline: December 31st 2023
Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their proposal in early February 2024.