What does it mean to be a maritime historian today? And who gets to be one? Our banner statement triggers a multitude of questions for early career academics. To be mindful of the changing and evolving place of maritime history in contemporary humanities and social science scholarship is to be aware that what was settled years ago is now unsettled.
These workshops are planned to bring together scholars working across different geographies, historical periods and thematic frameworks. From shifting academic borders and job market pressures to unequal access to mobility, technology, funding and visibility, participants will discuss how global politics, precarity and institutional change intersect with the practices of historical research and influence career trajectories. Responding to the erosion of local ties, the disappearance of academic positions, and the increased scrutiny of research and teaching by actors outside the academy, the sessions will be run with a commitment to maritime history as a site of community and innovation.
The Winter 2026 series are currently underway.
9 September
A Meet/Greet and Information Session for Participants
30 September
Academic migration, funding and mobility: Nazife Kosukoğlu, University of Galway
28 October
Community building and early career realities: Eliska Bujokova, University of Glasgow/University of New Brunswick
25 November
Visa regimes and the paradoxes of internationalisation: Manikarnika Dutta, University of Dublin