Radical humanities conference to be held in Cork

8 May 2024

• Radical responses to our times of crisis to be explored at UCC conference.
• More than 150 experts will address global and planetary challenges across contemporary politics, economics, culture and society.
• The Radical Humanities Laboratory at UCC offers a space for transformative interdisciplinary research and practice across the University's four colleges.

Persistent forms of gender-based violence, wartime deepfakes, and the potential of indigenous knowledge for oceanographic research, will be explored at a major new conference taking place at University College Cork (UCC).

More than 150 scholars, scientists, artists and activists will convene at Radical Futures, the inaugural conference of the Radical Humanities Laboratory at UCC on 8 – 9 May.

The conference will showcase experimental research addressing the roots of current global crises. It will explore the transformative potential of interdisciplinary work across the humanities, social and natural sciences, and how it may shape more just, sustainable and inclusive futures.

The keynote sessions feature Professor Whitney Battle-Baptiste, University of Massachusetts, and Dr Beryl Pong, University of Cambridge. Professor Whitney Battle-Baptiste will explore race, gender, class and sexuality during slavery and post-emancipation in the US. Dr Beryl Pong will share her research into drones and new military hardware, exploring how these technologies are impacting our understanding and experience of war and political crisis.

It will also feature plenary speakers Professor Gargi Bhattacharyya, University of the Arts London; Professor Máiréad Enright, University of Birmingham; and Dr Eva Haifa Giraud, University of Sheffield. The panel, spanning sociology, law, and science and technology studies, will debate the meaning, potential and threats suggested by the conference theme ‘Radical Futures’.

Professor Adrian Favell, Director of the Radical Humanities Laboratory, said: “We have been quite amazed by the national and international response to calls for papers, performances and films speaking to our theme of 'Radical Futures'. The conference is a testament to UCC's commitment to Futures research, and to the deep seated desire of scholars and artists everywhere to address questions of vital political significance today".

Professor John Cryan, UCC Vice President for Research and Innovation, said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to all visitors to UCC for our inaugural Radical Futures conference. The Radical Humanities Laboratory in UCC is committed to putting critical and experimental work from the Humanities at the heart of fundamental research to address global challenges. This conference will provide a platform for leading researchers and scholars to play a vital role in deciding how society responds to make the world a progressive and fairer place to live.”

As well as academic discussion panels, the event also includes a programme of film screenings in association with the UCC School of Film, Music and Theatre, and an evening of performances at UCC Granary Theatre.

View the programme here.