International conference, University of Lausanne (Switzerland), 22–24 April 2026
The international conference “Materiality and Confinements in the Medieval and Early Modern Eras: Objects, Actors, Experiences” examines confinements through the lens of their materiality. Drawing on a recent historiographical broadening of the field, the conference aims to address various forms of medieval and early modern confinement, both judicial and non-judicial: prisons, galleys, hospitals, workhouses, cloisters, monasteries, and the like. Contributions are encouraged that reflect on how material history and its sources could contribute to a better understanding of different institutions of confinement and their actors (confined individuals, monks, jailers, doctors, suppliers…), practices, and infrastructures.
Practical information
The working languages of the conference will be English and French.
The conference will be held in person at the University of Lausanne. We will submit a funding application to the Swiss National Science Foundation to cover participants’ travel and accommodation costs.
We aim to publish selected papers in a thematic issue of a peer-reviewed international journal or in an edited volume with an international publisher.
Submission procedure and dates
22 September 2025 : Please send your proposal to nathalie.dahn-singh@unil.ch.
Proposals (max. 350 words) should include a title, a clear research question, and a short bibliography. Please provide a short bio-bibliographical text as well (max. 150 words).
Early November 2025 : Notification of proposal acceptance