Submitted by Max Portman (He/Him) on 02/11/2026 – 9:19pm

Announcement Type: Call for Papers

Date: February 11, 2026 – March 31, 2026

Location: United Kingdom

The British Society of Sports History is pleased to announce the call for papers for its 2026 Annual Conference, which is to be held at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland between the 26th and 28th of August 2026 is officially open. Please check the text below or the attached document to find out more information regarding this year’s conference.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION

Abstracts are accepted as follows:

* Individual: a single abstract from an individual/ co-researchers for 20-minute presentations.

* Proposed panel: a set of abstracts (ideally 3, or 4 maximum) submitted by a representative for a group of individuals/co-researchers examining a single topic or theme (session 90 mins, including c. 30 minutes questions/discussion).

* Abstracts should be c. 200 words, including:

– Full title: as it will appear in the conference programme.

– Outline of the context and/or academic literature informing the research as appropriate; identification of core themes/argument of the paper and broad theoretical and/or methodological approach adopted as appropriate; significance of the research.

– Also include your preferred name; affiliation or whether an independent researcher; email address and a short biography detailing relevant experience (c. 50 words).

The Abstract submission deadline is on Tuesday the 31st of March 2026. Abstracts must be emailed directly to Dr Matthew McDowell at matthew.mcdowell@ed.ac.uk

When submitting your abstract, please indicate to Dr McDowell whether you are likely to seek on- or off-campus accommodation.

If you need any guidance or assistance regarding your submission, please contact in the first instance BSSH Vice Chair and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion representative Dr Amanda Callan-Spenn (amandathyme.writer@gmail.com ).