CfP: Science and Technology in the Dutch East Indies, c. 1815–1939

DATE: 2–4 September 2026
Location: online & Universitas Indonesia

The Department of History and the History Laboratory (Lab Sejarah), Universitas Indonesia, in collaboration with ETH Zurich, invites submissions for a hybrid (online/onsite) workshop exploring the history of science and technology in the Dutch East Indies from 1815 to 1939. 

This workshop aims to bring together graduate students and early-career researchers from Indonesia and Europe interested in the historical entanglements of science, technology, and empire in the Dutch East Indies. We particularly welcome contributions that examine the circulation, transformation, and contestation of science and technology within colonial contexts. Selected contributions that meet the required academic standards might be considered for publication in the themed issue of Wacana: Journal of the Humanities of Indonesia (April 2030), following the journal’s regular peer-review process.

The workshop seeks to foster critical discussions on how scientific and technological practices were shaped by colonial structures, while also being transformed through local contributions and/or resistance as well as broader global currents. Contributions may include, for example, studies on irrigation projects in Java, colonial hospitals in Batavia, the role of Botanical Gardens in colonial science, agricultural engineering on plantations, railway construction and engineering networks, natural history collecting, or knowledge and technologies related to extractive industries, mineral exploitation, and mining in the Dutch East Indies.

Format: Participants will present their work in 20-minute presentations, followed by discussion.

Target audience: Master/PhD students, early career researchers

Submission Guidelines: Please submit an abstract of 250–300 words along with a biographical note (max. 100 words)

Deadline for submissions: 15 June 2026

The workshop will be held in a hybrid format, both on site at Universitas Indonesia, Depok, and online. Further details regarding the schedule and format will be shared upon acceptance. Please indicate in your application whether you intend to participate onsite or online. Unfortunately, there is no funding available for travel and accommodation. We particularly encourage submissions from students based in Indonesia, but welcome contributions from all regions. The workshop is organised by Teuku Reza Fadeli (UI), Monique Ligtenberg (ETHZ) and Philipp Krauer (ETHZ).

Please send your submission to carmen.bortolin@gess.ethz.ch