Call for papers: Symposium, Histories of expertise, 19th-20th September 2024

 Call for papers: Symposium, Histories of expertise, 19th-20th September 2024, University of Turku

Historical research on experts and expertise has burgeoned during the past decades. This research has shown the need to consider how expert knowledge is made and given meanings, the polarisation of expertise, the regional and cultural differences in defining expertise, the social statuses of experts, as well as the social and material networks that constitute the making and contestation of experts and expert knowledge.

We take this opportunity to invite abstracts of on-going research addressing the making of experts, expertise and expert knowledge in the history of science, knowledge and technology, intellectual history, and related fields.

The purpose of the symposium is to bring together scholars working on the histories of expertise to share empirical findings and research approaches on this topic, with the possibility of working towards a joint publication.

We invite proposals for 20 minute presentations from researchers in various stages of their careers. The themes addressed can include the following topics in the histories of expertise:

Categories of experts, expertise and expert knowledge

How are experts made? What is the foundation of expertise?

What is expert knowledge? How is it made?

How can we study the different types of expert knowledge?

Regional and temporal differences in the definition of experts, expertise and expert knowledge

Questions of mobility: How are expert knowledge and skills transferred between actors, regions, industries, fields of science?

Reception and contestations of experts, expertise and expert knowledge

ABSTRACT REQUIREMENTS

250 words and a brief bio (250 words) by 15 May 2024 to historiesofexpertise@gmail.com.

Applicants will be notified by 1 June 2024.

For any queries, please contact historiesofexpertise@gmail.com.

Confirmed keynote speakers  are Markku Hokkanen (University of Oulu) and Stephanie Olsen (Tampere University).

Organizers:

Dr. Juha Haavisto, European and World History, University of Turku

Dr. Ranjana Saha, European and World History, University of Turku

Dr. Johanna Skurnik, European and World History, University of Turku

Image: Walter Langley, Expert opinion, Birmingham Museums Trust, Wikimedia Commons.