Olivette Otele Prize 2025/26
Open for Submissions!
DEADLINE EXTENSION!
We have extended the call for abstracts to Friday 12th December 2025 for our annual Olivette Otele Prize!
The prize offers the chance for fast-tracked publication of an article and a cash prize of £250 and is open to Black UK-based PhD students working in history or related disciplines, exploring any place or period.
We invite you to submit an abstract of no more than 400 words for a 40 minute paper by Friday 12th December 2025 to ihrhistorylab@gmail.com.
Timeline:
Abstract deadline of no more than 400 words due by Friday 12th DECEMBER 2025
Shortlisted scholars will be notified by Friday 19th December 2025 and asked to submit a full paper of no more than 8000 words by Friday 27th February
The winner will be announced by the end of March 2026
Prize and Recognition
The winner will receive a £250 cash prize, will be invited to speak at History Lab’s annual conference in summer 2026, and to submit their paper to Historical Research, the leading generalist historical journal and flagship publication of the Institute of Historical Research.
Shortlisted scholars will receive a £30 book voucher and the opportunity to present their research at a History Lab seminar.
About the Prize
The Olivette Otele Prize was created in 2020 in response to the Royal Historical Society’s ‘Race, Ethnicity and Equality Report’ which highlighted racial inequality in the field of history.
The prize was named after the UK’s first Black woman history professor and was designed to both raise participants’ profiles as well as financially reward labour involved in academic research.
We look forward to reading your applications!
🌟 Exciting news! The deadline for the Olivette Otele Prize has been extended to Friday 12th December! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity for a fast-tracked publication, apply now! 📝
27.11.2025 12:39 — 👍 7 🔁 12 💬 0 📌 0
Red Terror in Gondar town, Ethiopia, 1975-1980, Sendeke Awota Mesele
(University of Gondar, Ethiopia)
Sendeke Awota Mesele has been working as an instructor and researcher in the department of History and Heritage Management at the University of Gondar. Throughout these years of experience, Sendeke became a dedicated and committed educator and researcher engaged in researching and enhancing innovation. Sendeke has published articles and participated in many scholarly conferences and seminars. Currently, as a PhD candidate, Sendeke’s dissertation focuses on political history aimed at contributing in filling the historiography gap of contemporary political history of Ethiopia.
November 13 2025 | 17.30 - 19.00| Online, via zoom. Register now through this QR code or at https://forms.gle/U8q87QyV4SJ4121N7
This paper is all about the history of Red Terror in the town of Gondar in a period between 1975 and 1980. It examines the beginning, course, and aftermath of the Red Terror in a local dynamic. It was during the Derg regime that this terrible course of history occurred. Following the overthrow of the Solomonic regime, aged more than 700 years, the military group took the power of state control.
However, the Derg faced opposition since its birth. The offshoots of the Ethiopian Student Movement, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) and the All Ethiopian Socialist Movement (AESM), were the opponents of it. These two political groups were the first in the political party history of the country. They were diaspora parties, established abroad.
However, AESM shifted its stance in response to their resistance. This resulted from the Derg’s significant actions regarding the land issue. The Rural Land Proclamation, which Derg launched in 1975, addressed the primary concerns of the populace and students under the previous government. In contrast to AESM, however, the EPRP persisted in its adamant resistance demanding a People’s Government. Consequently, the conflict between AESM and Derg and EPRP continued for a considerable amount of time. Later on, this close bond evolved into the horrific Red Terror.
The Red Terror occurred in the capital and in other major provincial towns. In the town of Gondar, the terror was very active. The EPRP has been in the city since1975 and organized to fight against Derg in politics and military attacks. The military government, in collaboration with AESM, has also made its best effort to eliminate EPRP. To make this effort fruitful, the Derg armed the local militias and the revolutionary guards. From November 1977 to June 1980, they intensified the Red Terror. It is said that more than 1700 people were killed during the terror.
Join us on Thursday 13th November to hear Sendeke Awota Mesele discuss the "Red Terror in Gondar town, Ethiopia, 1975-1980". We are very much looking forward to this talk!
To sign up, either scan the QR code or use the link below: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
07.11.2025 12:55 — 👍 5 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Join us on 27th November at 5.30pm to hear @nrhopwood.bsky.social talk about a late medieval Icelandic saga on dragons 🐉 we can't wait for this one!
Scan the QR code or click the link below to sign up: www.history.ac.uk/news-events/...
07.11.2025 12:50 — 👍 4 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
I’m very excited to talk about one of my favourite sagas with @ihrhistorylab.bsky.social on 27th November! It’s online, so please sign up and come along, it’ll be a great, dragon-y time 🐉
05.11.2025 10:30 — 👍 6 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 2
History Day at senate house organised by the @ihr.bsky.social So nice to meet fellow historians on their career journey and encourage them to join @ihrhistorylab.bsky.social and @historylabplus.bsky.social
04.11.2025 15:34 — 👍 8 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
We can't wait to read your abstracts! If you have any questions, get in touch. Good luck! 🤩
(3/3)
29.10.2025 10:25 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
🏆The winner will receive a £250 cash prize, fast tracked publication in @ihr.bsky.social flagship journal 'Historical Research', and an invitation to speak at our annual conference in summer 2026.
All submissions are to be emailed to us: ihrhistorylab@gmail.com
(2/3)
29.10.2025 10:25 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
Olivette Otele Prize 2025/26
Open for Submissions!
The Institute of Historical Research’s History Lab is excited to announce the call for papers for the Olivette Otele Prize for the 2025/26 academic year.
The prize offers the chance for fast-tracked publication of an article and a cash prize of £250 and is open to Black UK-based PhD students working in history or related disciplines, exploring any place or period.
Olivette Otele Prize 2025/26
Open for Submissions!
We invite you to submit an abstract of no more than 400 words for a 40 minute paper by Friday 28th November 2025 to ihrhistorylab@gmail.com.
Timeline:
Abstract deadline of no more than 400 words due by 28th November 2025
Shortlisted scholars will be notified by Friday 19th December 2025 and asked to submit a full paper of no more than 8000 words by Friday 27th February
The winner will be announced by the end of March 2026
Prize and Recognition
The winner will receive a £250 cash prize, will be invited to speak at History Lab’s annual conference in summer 2026, and to submit their paper to Historical Research, the leading generalist historical journal and flagship publication of the Institute of Historical Research.
Shortlisted scholars will receive a £30 book voucher and the opportunity to present their research at a History Lab seminar.
About the Prize
The Olivette Otele Prize was created in 2020 in response to the Royal Historical Society’s ‘Race, Ethnicity and Equality Report’ which highlighted racial inequality in the field of history.
The prize was named after the UK’s first Black woman history professor and was designed to both raise participants’ profiles as well as financially reward labour involved in academic research.
We look forward to reading your applications!
📢CFP: Annual Olivette Otele Prize 2025/26!
Our annual prize for Black UK-based history PhD students is now open for submissions!
📆Key dates:
- Abstracts due on 28th November
- Notifications on 19th December
- 8000 word essay due on 27th Feb
(1/3)
29.10.2025 10:25 — 👍 24 🔁 34 💬 1 📌 0
Catch us at @ihr.bsky.social annual History Day on 4th November! 🤩
28.10.2025 14:32 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
What can you expect to find at #HistDay25 our celebration of history collections with @senatehouselib.bsky.social? Come along and find out on 4 Nov. Book your free space here www.sas.ac.uk/news-events/...
25.09.2025 15:03 — 👍 12 🔁 8 💬 0 📌 9
We look forward very much to taking part in #HistDay25 on Tuesday 4 November, hosted @ihr.bsky.social and @senatehouselib.bsky.social, and featuring more than 70 organisations that enable historical research.
It's chance to discover the rich infrastructure that can support your work. #Skystorians
21.10.2025 13:55 — 👍 21 🔁 13 💬 0 📌 1
From Displacement to Belonging: Heritage, Identity, and Generational Change in Post-1974 Cyprus
Lara Peeraer
(Erasmus Mundus, University of Glasgow)
Lara Peeraer graduated in 2024 with a Master’s in Art History and Archaeology from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Her research focuses on the intersections of heritage, history, and social identity, with particular interest in how cultural heritage fosters belonging and wellbeing. She has contributed to cultural diplomacy projects such as Wonderlust and international cultural festivals, and gained experience as an intern with EUNIC. Currently, she is pursuing a second Master’s in Arts and Cultural Heritage Management in Global Markets (Erasmus Mundus, University of Glasgow), further specializing in heritage as a tool for social wellbeing.
October 30 2025| 17.30 - 19.00| Online, via zoom
From Displacement to Belonging
Lara Peeraer
This paper examines the history of internal displacement in Cyprus since the division in 1974 and its impact on the current identity of the community and its engagement with heritage. The research focuses on the village of Dromolaxia and how internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their descendants experience local heritage and their sense of connection to it. Based on theories of social identity, place identity and place attachment, it examines how displacement has damaged the relationship between IDPs and the heritage of their new place of residence. Survey data is used to examine generational differences in awareness, familiarity and involvement with heritage. First-generation IDPs remain more attached to the heritage of their place of origin, and often have a weaker connection with the local heritage of Dromolaxia and are involved in archaeological initiatives to a limited extent. Second-generation displaced persons, on the other hand, show a shift. Their familiarity with local sights, participation in heritage activities and willingness to engage in conservation are approaching the level of long-term residents. This transition suggests that, although displacement initially severed place identity, second-generation residents are less affected by this due to the similar internal cultures and customs of the country. The findings show that heritage in post-conflict Cyprus is a dynamic process of identity formation. In contexts of displacement, heritage functions both as an anchor to the past and as a path to new forms of connectedness. By acknowledging the historical depth of displacement and involving displaced persons in inclusive heritage practices, heritage management can promote dialogue, social cohesion and long-term community participation. More broadly, the case of Dromolaxia illustrates how heritage can mediate the legacy of conflict and support intergenerational processes of identity restoration.
Our next seminar is happening on Thursday 30th October and is titled "From Displacement to Belonging: Heritage, Identity, and Generational Change in Post-1974 Cyprus". Join us with Lara Peeraer to learn more about displacement in Cyprus since the 1974 division.
(1/2)
25.10.2025 14:00 — 👍 2 🔁 3 💬 1 📌 0
From Displacement to Belonging: Heritage, Identity, and Generational Change in Post-1974 Cyprus
Lara Peeraer
(Erasmus Mundus, University of Glasgow)
Lara Peeraer graduated in 2024 with a Master’s in Art History and Archaeology from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Her research focuses on the intersections of heritage, history, and social identity, with particular interest in how cultural heritage fosters belonging and wellbeing. She has contributed to cultural diplomacy projects such as Wonderlust and international cultural festivals, and gained experience as an intern with EUNIC. Currently, she is pursuing a second Master’s in Arts and Cultural Heritage Management in Global Markets (Erasmus Mundus, University of Glasgow), further specializing in heritage as a tool for social wellbeing.
October 30 2025| 17.30 - 19.00| Online, via zoom
From Displacement to Belonging
Lara Peeraer
This paper examines the history of internal displacement in Cyprus since the division in 1974 and its impact on the current identity of the community and its engagement with heritage. The research focuses on the village of Dromolaxia and how internally displaced persons (IDPs) and their descendants experience local heritage and their sense of connection to it. Based on theories of social identity, place identity and place attachment, it examines how displacement has damaged the relationship between IDPs and the heritage of their new place of residence. Survey data is used to examine generational differences in awareness, familiarity and involvement with heritage. First-generation IDPs remain more attached to the heritage of their place of origin, and often have a weaker connection with the local heritage of Dromolaxia and are involved in archaeological initiatives to a limited extent. Second-generation displaced persons, on the other hand, show a shift. Their familiarity with local sights, participation in heritage activities and willingness to engage in conservation are approaching the level of long-term residents. This transition suggests that, although displacement initially severed place identity, second-generation residents are less affected by this due to the similar internal cultures and customs of the country. The findings show that heritage in post-conflict Cyprus is a dynamic process of identity formation. In contexts of displacement, heritage functions both as an anchor to the past and as a path to new forms of connectedness. By acknowledging the historical depth of displacement and involving displaced persons in inclusive heritage practices, heritage management can promote dialogue, social cohesion and long-term community participation. More broadly, the case of Dromolaxia illustrates how heritage can mediate the legacy of conflict and support intergenerational processes of identity restoration.
Our next seminar is happening on Thursday 30th October and is titled "From Displacement to Belonging: Heritage, Identity, and Generational Change in Post-1974 Cyprus". Join us with Lara Peeraer to learn more about displacement in Cyprus since the 1974 division.
(1/2)
25.10.2025 14:00 — 👍 2 🔁 3 💬 1 📌 0
Quick bump for this - a great opportunity for PGRs and ECRs to share their research on migration and mobility!
22.10.2025 07:48 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
I really enjoyed being a part of last night's @ihrhistorylab.bsky.social seminar on Historians and the Archive! We talked a lot about archival accessibility, hidden histories, and emotion in the archive. I hope these are conversations we can continue! Thanks so much to everyone who came along! (1/2)
17.10.2025 09:41 — 👍 6 🔁 1 💬 1 📌 0
Don't forget that you can submit your paper or panel for a History Lab seminar! We're on the lookout for papers for November and January, so send us an email or submit your abstract via this form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
@ihrhistorylab.bsky.social (2/2)
17.10.2025 09:44 — 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
📢 Reminder about our CFP for the Mobility and Migration Seminar in collaboration with @ihr.bsky.social!
Please see below for more information on the CFP, abstracts are due on 15th November! Please share widely!
16.10.2025 11:36 — 👍 8 🔁 9 💬 0 📌 1
History Lab Seminar: Historians and the Archive. Online (via Zoom) Thursday 16th October 5.30pm - 7pm.
This seminar brings together four papers from Postgraduate Researchers in History, Creative Writing and Medieval Studies, focusing on work in archives and case studies arising from archival work. By exploring a range of case studies and topics of focus, this seminar aims to explore archival methodologies and their use by historians. Audience members are encouraged to bring examples of their own archival practice for discussion.
Our next online seminar will be on Thursday 16th October! Join us for this interdisciplinary panel to discuss working in archives and methodologies!
To book your place, please use this link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
We can't wait to see you there!
12.10.2025 13:50 — 👍 28 🔁 19 💬 0 📌 1
📢Tomorrow!
Don't forget about our next online seminar of the academic year which will focus on archives and methodologies! 💻
4 papers will be presented tomorrow which we are very excited for.
For more info and to sign up, please see the link below. See you there!
15.10.2025 16:08 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
History Lab Seminar: Historians and the Archive. Online (via Zoom) Thursday 16th October 5.30pm - 7pm.
This seminar brings together four papers from Postgraduate Researchers in History, Creative Writing and Medieval Studies, focusing on work in archives and case studies arising from archival work. By exploring a range of case studies and topics of focus, this seminar aims to explore archival methodologies and their use by historians. Audience members are encouraged to bring examples of their own archival practice for discussion.
Our next online seminar will be on Thursday 16th October! Join us for this interdisciplinary panel to discuss working in archives and methodologies!
To book your place, please use this link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
We can't wait to see you there!
12.10.2025 13:50 — 👍 28 🔁 19 💬 0 📌 1
A fantastic welcome to new PhD researchers in history and related disciplines today hosted by the Institute of Historical Research @ihr.bsky.social with contributions from @ihrhistorylab.bsky.social & @royalhistsoc.org colleagues.
08.10.2025 18:32 — 👍 21 🔁 3 💬 1 📌 0
Please join us for our inaugural seminar of the term in the IHR and online. Register: tinyurl.com/298ssvkr
@ihr.bsky.social @clairelanghamer.bsky.social @dralanagharris.bsky.social @carmenmangion.bsky.social @lauragowing.bsky.social @harkaway1.bsky.social @womenshistoryrev.bsky.social
05.10.2025 15:03 — 👍 11 🔁 9 💬 0 📌 0
🎉The call for participation for #HAP26 is now open!
Alongside @nationalarchives.gov.uk.web.brid.gy, @royalhistsoc.org & @unisheffieldlib.bsky.social we invite you to explore the theme 'Shaping Societies, Improving Lives: The Impact of Archives and Historical Research'.
Apply today: bit.ly/46VfEVY
26.09.2025 13:29 — 👍 62 🔁 46 💬 0 📌 0
‘The Wayfarer’ by Hieronymus Bosch
📢Call for Papers📢 ‘Folklore on the Move’: The Folklore Society’s annual conference 2026 in collaboration with the Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen. In person conference: 5-7 Jun 2026; online conference day: 10 Jun 2026. Proposal deadline 14 Dec www.folklore-society.com/event/call-f...
03.10.2025 16:06 — 👍 33 🔁 18 💬 0 📌 1
📢 Read the blog post below to find out more about our joint conference with @historylabplus.bsky.social and History UK that took place earlier this year.
It was a very interesting and timely conference which showed the significant work behind addressing the challenges faced by academia.
06.10.2025 11:25 — 👍 3 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
We hosted the first seminar of the academic year yesterday evening and it was brilliant!
If you want to share your research with a friendly crowd, or perhaps you're a first time presenter, then consider applying to take part in our seminar series! More info below...
03.10.2025 12:38 — 👍 3 🔁 5 💬 0 📌 0
blog
About | Events | Meet us | Contact | Join BLOG: Teaching in a Time of Crisis conference, 29 May 2025 – reasons to be cheerful? Alex Riggs Regional Ambassador, Midlands and Michael Reeve Co-Ch…
HL+ committee members Dr Alex Rigg & Dr Michael Reeve have written a blogpost about the Teaching in a Time of Crisis Conference 2025 at University of Warwick. Have a read! historylab.plus/blog/
@historyuk.bsky.social @ihrhistorylab.bsky.social @alexriggsby.bsky.social @drmichaelreeve.bsky.social
05.10.2025 17:11 — 👍 8 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 1
We've updated our three BlueSky starter packs for historians.
Our principal list now includes details of 130+ societies and networks, based in the UK and Ireland, that advance the study, research and promotion of history go.bsky.app/AZaYQDd
Please let us know if there are gaps.
#Skystorians 1/2
03.10.2025 08:37 — 👍 152 🔁 91 💬 10 📌 0
'Black British History: Concepts, Geographies, Debates' covers all aspects of Black British history from the ancient to the contemporary. @ihr.bsky.social
Centre for the History of War, Media and Society @ University of Kent
https://blogs.kent.ac.uk/munitions-of-the-mind/
London based group - convicts transported from Britain & Ireland to Australia 1787 - 1868 + colonial era to 1901 & beyond
Current project: Transported Female Convicts of Westminster
Come on a tour to support our work: https://echoesofoztours.wordpress.com/
Historian. University of Essex, School of Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies. President of the Royal Historical Society
Based in London, The Folklore Society has been collecting, studying, publishing and promoting the study of folklore in all its forms since 1878. Visit our website: https://folklore-society.com
Archives rich in social and political history from the late 19th century onwards.
Follow the MRC for highlights from our collections, details of our online resources and more!
https://warwick.ac.uk/services/library/mrc
🗺️ Bring your collections, data, and research to life with geospatial storytelling
https://humap.me/
#GLAMA #DigitalHumanities #EdTech #CitizenScience #CitizenHumanities
The LMS is a forum for cross disciplinary and interdisciplinary discussions about the Middle Ages. The LMS has been hosting colloquia since 1945; it hosts three colloquia each year.
Website: https://londonmedievalsociety.com/
The AND is an open-access digital platform at Aberystwyth University about Anglo-Norman, the type of French used in the British Isles throughout the medieval period.- visit https://anglo-norman.net.
The Women's History Association of Ireland (WHAI) has been promoting research into women's history in Ireland since 1989.
The International Students of History Association. Follow us to know more about conferences, volunteering opportunities and our journal and editorial board!
linktr.ee/isha.inter
An established history society run by and for postgraduates studying at universities throughout the United Kingdom. #histperspectives
The Business History Conference is a scholarly organization devoted to encouraging all aspects of research, writing, and teaching about business history and about the environment in which businesses operate. https://thebhc.org/
Multi-disciplinary international group promoting the study of women and gender in the early modern period and long eighteenth century.
https://womensstudiesgroup.org/
Seminars | Workshops | Outings | Bursary Scheme | Mentoring | Newsletter | Reading Group
The Irish Committee of Historical Sciences is the national committee for history in Ireland.
Further details: http://www.historians.ie/
The national charity fighting to save our Victorian & Edwardian heritage. Join us!
linktr.ee/victoriansociety
Non-Governmental & Nonprofit Organization in England and Wales
World's largest professional society dedicated to the teaching and study of US history.
The Scottish Arts and Humanities Alliance brings together 12 HEIs, The RSE and SGSAH to provide a collective voice for Arts & Humanities in Scotland.
🌐 Visit our website saha.scot
🎙️ Listen to our podcast #SAHAConversations on Spotify