Modern British Studies Conference 2026

Call for papers: Modern British Studies 2026

Proposals are invited for contributions to MBS2026.

The three day conference will bring together scholars to discuss the shape of modern British studies in an urgently unstable global context, termed a ‘polycrisis’ (Tooze, 2023). It offers historical depth to contemporary crisis debates and showcases research into longer histories of Britain’s political economy, sociocultural transformations and global environmental footprint. In addition, at a moment of disruption and change within the marketised, crisis-ridden UK higher education sector, the conference offers critical engagement with this formative backdrop to contemporary research and teaching in British studies.

We invite proposals from scholars of all career stages for conventional panels of three papers and chair/commentator, or for other formats (five minute lightning talks, workshops, creative engagement, participatory debate). Individual papers may also be submitted. Proposals should be mindful of diversity and inclusion, and we particularly welcome proposals that offer contrasting geographical focus and methodological reflexivity.

Session proposals should include:

• Title of the session
• Brief description of the session (c. 300 words)
• Full contact details for all participants
• Details of participant contributions (e.g., title and c. 300 word paper abstracts)

Confirmed speakers include Sarah Crook, Catherine Hall, Tom Hulme, Catherine Mills, Kevin O’Sullivan, Chris Otter, Tamson Pietsch, Erika Rappaport, Sujit Sivasundaram, Jonathan Saha, Tehila Sasson, James Vernon.

We are grateful to the British Academy Conference Scheme 2026-2027 and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) for funding the opening day and plenary lecture of MBS2026, which will speak to the topic of ‘The Polycrisis? Historical Roots and Critical Perspectives in Modern British Studies’. This conference will be the inaugural event of the Association of Modern British Studies. More information to follow.

Proposals must be submitted by 17:00 (GMT) on 31 January 2026. Proposals should be submitted using the form accessible via this link. The date decisions will be communicated is 27 February.

Further details on registration and programme to follow. For any questions please contact Dr Sarah Kenny and Professor Lucy Delap at mbs2026@contacts.bham.ac.uk