EHS Centenary Plenary – Expressions of Interest

The Centenary Committee, on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Economic History Society, seeks expressions of interest from members to research and deliver three short papers at the Society’s Centenary Conference, which will be held 10-12 April 2026 at the London School of Economics.

The three papers are to be delivered at the Friday evening Plenary session of the conference, and will describe, analyse, and celebrate the research and other activities of the Society over the last 100 years.  Each presentation will last for 15-20 minutes; the papers could be supported, and augmented by other suitable media.

The Committee seeks one paper on each of the following periods/ topics:

• The foundation of the Society in 1926 and its research and other activities to 1965.
• The growth of the discipline, its concerns, research questions and methods, 1965 -2000.
• The Society, and research practice into the twenty-first century, 2000 to the present.

In setting out their expressions of interest, applicants should be aware that the Committee is particularly interested that topics to be explored include research activities, questions, and methods germane to the Society. In this respect, possible issues for consideration include the evolution of the Society’s annual conference, its fellowships, workshops as well as other relevant activities of the Society (in other words the exploration of matters beyond, though not without regard to, publications in The Economic History Review). In essence, the focus should be on members’ research and Society-related activities, not just their publications.

It is hoped that the Society’s archives at the LSE library will be extensively consulted and a review of the material there is being carried out to support this brief. Each researcher, once appointed, can make of the brief and themes what they will, and the Centenary Committee may be consulted and will endeavour to support the researchers if they so wish. It will be open to the researchers to apply for modest research funds (under the auspices of the Society’s grants and prizes programme). Researchers appointed to this brief will be able to apply to be considered for small research funds in January 2025.

Applications from early career and emeritus members are particularly encouraged. Joint, team, or co-applicants are also welcome.

Expressions of interest should include a 1-page CV, and a short description of the applicant’s membership of the Society to date. Applicants should provide 500-800 words outlining how they would approach one (or more) of the topics above.

The Deadline has now closed.