The Polycrisis? Historical roots and critical perspectives in modern British studies

British Academy Conferences bring together scholars from around the world to present, discuss and consolidate new research in the humanities and social sciences.

This conference brings together scholars to examine the shape of modern British studies in an urgently unstable global context, described as a ‘polycrisis’ (Tooze, 2023). Through panels addressing the environment, the economy and capitalism, and the position of British studies within the global academy, the conference situates contemporary debates within a rich historical perspective. Participants will highlight research on Britain’s political economy, sociocultural transformations, and global environmental impact, offering insights into how historical understanding can inform discussions of current crises.

At a time of disruption and change within the marketised and crisis-affected UK higher education sector, the conference also provides a space for critical reflection on the institutional and intellectual contexts that shape contemporary research and teaching in British studies. It encourages scholars to consider the intersections of historical scholarship, global challenges, and the evolving role of the discipline within universities today.

Conference convenors

• Sarah Kenny, University of Birmingham

Keynote speaker

• Catherine Hall, University College London

Speakers on Wednesday 3 June

• Sarah Crook, Swansea University
• Margot Finn, UCL
• Tom Hulme, Queens University Belfast
• Catherine Mills, University of Stirling
• Kevin O’Sullivan, University of Galway
• Chris Otter, Ohio State University
• Tamson Pietsch, University Technology Sydney
• Erika Rappaport, University of California
• Rohan Deb Roy, University of Reading
• Jonathan Saha, Durham University
• Tehila Sasson, University of Oxford

Full list of speakers on Thursday 4 June to Friday 5 June can be found in the programme below.

Further information

Tickets will be available soon.

If you have any questions about this event please refer to our Events FAQs or email [email protected].

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