Coimbra 2025

Call for Papers

The Connected Past 2025

16–19 September 2025 | Coimbra, Portugal

We are delighted to announce that The Connected Past 2025 will take place in Coimbra, Portugal, from 16 to 19 September 2025. This conference continues the tradition of bringing together researchers exploring the application of network science and network theory in history, archaeology, and related disciplines.

Conference Scope

The Connected Past is an interdisciplinary platform, welcoming contributions from scholars investigating the role and dynamics of networks in historical and archaeological contexts. The 2025 conference will not adhere to a specific theme, encouraging a broad and inclusive discussion of innovative methods, theories, and case studies. We invite contributions that:

  • Explore the use of network science to model historical and archaeological phenomena.
  • Investigate social, economic, political, or spatial networks in the past.
  • Engage critically with network theory in the context of humanities research.
  • Present new tools, techniques, or datasets relevant to historical and archaeological networks.
  • Analyse the distribution of material culture through artefact co-occurrence.
  • Discuss past maritime and pedestrian mobility.
  • Study visual signalling and visual prominence.
  • and much more.

We are especially interested in research showcasing the potential of computational network methods. These methods enable formal representation and analysis of network data and help test relational theories, offering critical insights into phenomena for which both materialities and network analysis are essential.

This conference also provides an inclusive venue for contributions addressing any historical or archaeological network studies, regardless of material, period, method, or theory.

Submissions

We welcome abstract submissions for individual papers and/or posters sent to theconnectedpast2025@gmail.com

Submissions should include:

  • Title of the paper and/or poster
  • Abstract (max. 250 words for papers and posters).
  • Author(s)’ name(s), affiliation(s), and contact details.

Important Dates

  • Abstract submission deadline: 15 March 2025
  • Notification of acceptance: 15 April 2025
  • Conference dates: 16–19 September 2025

Venue

The conference will be held in Coimbra, a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant academic community. Coimbra offers an inspiring setting for discussing the connections of the past in a highly interconnected present.

More Information

Connected Past 2025 will be an in-person event hosted by the CESIS20 at the University of Coimbra. Conference registration will open in May, with more detailed information on offered workshops. We attempt to provide fair and accessible registration fees, thus registration costs will range from 40-80 euros (concessionary, regular).

The conference is organised by Joel Santos, Tânia Casimiro, Ricardo Costeira da Silva, and Carlos Faísca.

Join us in Coimbra to connect, collaborate, and explore the fascinating intersections of networks, history, and archaeology. We look forward to your contributions!