CfP – Public History in Global Perspectives: an International Online Seminar for Students

The online seminar ‘Public History in Global Perspectives’ is organised by the first-year students of the Master in Digital and Public History (MADiPH) at the University of Luxembourg on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. This student-led conference addresses students (Bachelor, Master, and (post) doctoral candidates) globally and offers them a platform to share their work in the field of Public History, as well as a space for discussion and exchange with peers.

The rise of digital media has opened new channels for communication about national and global histories. As these media evolve, so does the field of Public History. As the title suggests, this seminar invites students to consider the global aspects of Public History, referring not only to the geographical reach of information through digital media, but also to the ways in which local histories and narratives are shaped by, and in turn shape, broader inter and transnational narratives.

We encourage participants to look beyond a local, regional, or national lens and consider how their topic connects to broader and often global themes. This online seminar invites participants to exchange ideas on existing (historical) topics in order to highlight the connection to Public History, as well as explore the differences in interpreting the past.

We invite participants to present their own understanding of Public History practices that can include but are not limited to:.

• Digital media and international, transnational, or global narratives
• Public history as an act of resistance to dominant structures and narratives
• Public History during and/or about conflicts
• Social Media (and other types of media) and its influence on interpretations of the past
• Algorithms, AI and the mediation of the past
• Heritage, tourism and the marketing of the past
• Diaspora communities, border and transnational memories
• Situating local histories in a global context

The seminar will take place online on Tuesday, 16 June 2026. Presentations (around 15 minutes) and discussions will be held in English. We are looking forward to proposals from students (Bachelor, Master, PhD or Post-Doctoral candidates) in (public) history, anthropology, political science, cultural studies, journalism, education (or associated disciplines) worldwide.

Application deadline is on 27 April. Applicants should send:

• Their name and affiliation
• The time zone they will be in on 16 June (for logistical purposes)
• A short biography (100 words)
• A title and short abstract (ca. 500 words) of their presentation. The abstract should clearly address what public history topics, practices, examples the presenter wants to address.

For submissions and any questions, reach out to phgp2026@gmail.com