EPICamp III – Collective identities, European identities?

Conference abstract

One societal challenge that EPICUR Research addresses is the importance of “(European) identities”. Yet what does that mean and how can we transform this politically charged term into a scientific object? Culture is a main repository of available identities within a given space, and developing a shared identity is a prerequisite for the proper functioning of social and political institutions such as the European Union. Financial solidarity means to pay for other nations and this requires sharing a common sense of belonging. That is why European parliamentarians and commissioners regularly invoke European identity. In a time in which the European idea has come under much scrutiny, this EPICamp will provide a space to develop new approaches to European identity. Instead of invoking a hypothetical singular European identity, we propose to use interdisciplinary and international advances on collective identities in general, including non-European identities, to challenge and rethink this basis of community as well as social and political action. Through comparing our ways of understanding collective identities (disciplines, research fields, theories, methodologies, results), we will hopefully reach new conclusions and best practices for Europe.

Programme


The EPICamp III “Collective identities, European identities?” will take place online on 25/26 February 2022 and is hosted by UHA.

Registration is open until 20 February 2022 – Link to the application form: https://forms.office.com/r/9rtUuTiFJh

Call for participation


EPICamps

As societies struggle to address and govern increasingly complex challenges which defy the bounds of modern states, governmental institutions, such as the European Union, turn to research communities to provide answers. According to the European Commission (EC) and its funding schemes, this requires a new – larger and more intensive – collaboration between researchers across Europe and in all research fields. With its support of European University Initiatives, the EC thus seeks to contribute to the establishment of research collaborations reflecting the diversity of Europe.
Expanding the concepts of traditional scientific conferences and workshops, EPICamps will be open gatherings engendering new partnerships and serving as seedbeds for research ideas beyond the scopes of single disciplines or fields. Thus, EPICamps will feature various formats, ranging from short presentations and panel discussions to academic matchmaking events and interactive ad-hoc discussion rounds, from virtual posters and project exhibits to search/offer blackboards. EPICamp will offer emerging scholars the opportunities to present their research, interests, and ideas as well as discover and meet with peers who complement and expand their work. To foster manifold exchanges, the EPICamps – in addition to thematic sessions – will also give room to researchers and non-university partners to
connect over questions of methodology, tools, ethical queries and data management, didactics, science communication and other aspects of academic pursuits.