In seeking to understand the pluralistic and multidimensional global challenges of our time, long-term perspectives appear more relevant than ever. Shifting geopolitical dynamics are reshaping Europe’s positioning, self-image, and its ambitions in a global context. These shifts require historians to critically revisit established narratives of how – within and beyond Europe – its material culture has shaped and re-shaped livelihoods; how its infrastructures and trade networks have connected and disconnected localities; or how transnational elites, businesses, users, and local practices co-produced Europeanness.
At the 12th Tensions of Europe (ToE) Conference, we would like to explore and discuss what it means for European and non-European scholars to write ‘European’ histories of ‘technology’ in a pluriverse world. From such an engagement, we want to co-develop fresh ideas on how a European historiography of technology can inform and contribute to current agendas for inclusive and green transitions. In what ways do aspirations for equitable and inclusive relations intersect with legacies of the past?
This evokes questions about the role of migration, local knowledge, formal and informal networks, both within and beyond Europe. What are the legacies of Europe’s diverse historical trajectories and its influence on relationships within and beyond its borders? How did transnational dependencies and evolving relationships shape the current crises within and outside Europe? Which alternative perspectives on eco-modernist approaches to sustainability can help forge the agenda for a just and green transition?
Special attention can be paid to the following themes: (1) Infrastructures as drivers or obstacles to social and ecological changes. (2) Equality and equity for various societal groups involved and affected by technological changes in and beyond Europe. (3) Digital and other global network technologies in (re)shaping power, knowledge, production and consumption. We also welcome contributions on topics related to general themes in the history of technology and neighboring fields of interest to the Tensions of Europe network such as histories of trans-border flows, common resources, energy, finance, ICT, mobility, circularity and waste, conflicting interests, hidden integration, and cultural practices.
As a part of the Conference, a Summer School for early career scholars will precede it, co-organized with the ToE Early career scholars network. The Summer School includes discussing texts relevant for the current topic, research in progress with established researchers and an excursion.
We want to stimulate discussion and interaction. Beyond the regular panels we introduce three types of special sessions. First, we would like to encourage informed debates in a Micro-Workshop setup, i.e. session with short presentations and discussions on pre-circulated papers with an informed audience. Sessions are open to all conference participants, have short 5-minute presentations and require preparation from participants. Papers to be discussed in these sessions will be accessible via the conference website. Second, we introduce Making & Doing History sessions, which acknowledge contribution of historians reaching out to wider audiences in non-conventional ways. These sessions consist of historical work and experimental practices that are best presented interactively. This includes work beyond the regular journal- and book format, such as re-enactment experiments, interactive contributions, film- or documentary productions, collaborations with artists, performances, and more. These can also focus on sharing and using historical knowledge beyond academic settings. Lastly, we will provide space to early career scholars in My project in 10 minutes session(s) to share and present their ideas.
The organizers invite applicants to submit proposals by 1 February 2026. All sessions can have a hybrid setup, please mention this in your proposal. The program committee will have dedicated spaces for non-conventional formats. Contribution with constructive, stimulating and engaging discussions will be prioritized.
The 12th Tensions of Europe Conference will be held at the campus of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). It will be organized by the Eindhoven History Lab part of Technology Innovation and Society research group of TU/e in collaboration with the 4TU History of Technology center, uniting Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, the University of Twente, and Wageningen University & Research.
Read the full Call for Papers to find out how to submit your proposal!
