The British Academy: Conference on The European Research Context for the Humanities and Social Sciences

The British Academy, in collaboration with the Association of ERC Grantees, will be hosting a half-day conference on The European Research Context for the Humanities and Social Sciences on 22 January 2025 from 13:00 to 18:45. This event will bring together leading academics to discuss key aspects of European research in the humanities and social sciences, and to share insights on the ERC grant application process, researcher mobility, and the values underpinning European research initiatives.

Programme overview

The conference includes three panel sessions followed by a keynote lecture by Professor Philippe Sands Hon FBA. Tea and coffee will be available from 12:30, and the panels are set to begin at 13:00. The event will take place at the British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH.

Panel sessions

13:00-14:00 | Insights on Applying to the ERC in the Humanities and Social Sciences

Academics who have successfully applied to the European Research Council (ERC) application process will share common practices, challenges, and practical tips. This panel will provide valuable guidance on strengthening applications and maximising success.

Panel Chair: Dr Agnieszka Kubal-Thandavan, University of Oxford  

Panellists: Professor Axel Cleeremans, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Dr Jane Kershaw, University of Oxford

14:20-15:30 | Mobility of Research and Researchers

The panel will explore how academics move internationally to access career opportunities, collaborate, and access special facilities, enhancing research quality and openness across Europe. Panellists will discuss both the benefits and challenges of mobility, including career planning, recognition of research achievements, and equitable research partnerships, particularly in disciplines within the SHAPE framework.

Panel Chair: Professor Liuba Papeo, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

Panellists: Professor Agnieszka Wykowska, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Professor Holger Nehring, University of Stirling (The British Academy Innovation Fellow), Professor Ambreena Manji, Cardiff University

15:50-17:10 | European Research and Values

A discussion on the values and ethics in social sciences and humanities research, focusing on the balance between research freedom and societal values. Themes will include academic freedom, research security, and ethical considerations, with particular attention to current debates like AI regulation. Panellists will provide perspectives on how national and transnational funders address values-based issues and how researchers navigate ethical landscapes in a rapidly changing world.

Panel Chair: Professor Patrick Haggard FBA, University College London

Panellists: Professor Gerd Gigerenzer FBA, European Research Council

Professor Eva Kassens-Noor, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Professor Kelsey Shanks, Ulster University, Professor Philippe Sands, University College London  

17:30-18:45 | Keynote Lecture with Q&A: Professor Philippe Sands KC Hon FBA

From Nazism in Europe to European colonialism in the Indian Ocean: memory, identity and other engagements across a continent. This lecture is open to both in-person and online attendees.

Registration

Participants can sign up for the panel sessions and the keynote lecture on Eventbrite.

Contact details

For more information or inquiries about the conference, please contact Barbora Krasova at b.krasova@thebritishacademy.ac.uk.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-european-research-context-for-the-humanities-and-social-sciences-tickets-1086794424379?dm_i=6P7Q,143CK,62EJEX,55OG2,1