Postgraduate Research Students Conference

“It was an incredibly beneficial experience and I received lots of invaluable feedback on my thesis work. It was the first time I have ever presented a paper at a conference, and I am already looking forward to exercising my new, improved skills at the next one”.

The German Historical Institute London held its 28th Postgraduate Research Students Conference on 11-12 January 2024 at Mary Ward House in Bloomsbury. Twenty-eight students joined the GHIL’s Research Fellows over two days as they discussed their PhD projects with other students working in the same field.

Seventeen students presented their ongoing research in panels consisting of thematically similar projects and the panels were chaired by the GHIL’s Research Fellows. As well as discussing their subjects and methodologies, the participants exchanged information about practical difficulties, such as how to locate sources, or find one's way around German archives. The conference offered students plenty of opportunities to network and create lasting connections as well as facilitate professional growth within a research context. A palaeography course was organised as an optional part of the programme. The course was taught by Dr Claudia Wedepohl (Archivist, The Warburg Institute) and it was well attended.

The Institute also introduced the participants to its role as a research centre and library for German history in London, the facilities it offers (conference and lecture programme, library etc.), and the support it provides in facilitating contact with German archives.

Conference Co-ordinator: Dr Indra Sengupta

Administrative Support: Julian Triandafyllou