The BSSH invites PhD students and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) for a pre-conference workshop at the John McIntyre Conference Centre, University of Edinburgh, on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, directly preceding the BSSH 2026 annual conference. Open to PhD students and early career researchers, who have submitted a paper to the main conference and/or who are interested in meeting with peers, the workshop serves as a dedicated research and networking forum.
To ensure the session does not become overcrowded, the workshop is limited to twenty spaces. The workshop will take place from 10am – 4.30 pm and will include a complimentary working lunch and refreshments during the day. Interested applicants should state their interest to Dr Lauren Beatty at lauren_beatty@hotmail.com by Friday, 10 April 2026.
Richard Cox Postgraduate Prize
This prize is awarded for the most promising work submitted by a new researcher in sports history. To be eligible, authors must be a PhD student and be engaged in full-time or part-time postgraduate research or an Early Career Researcher who is within one year of completing their research degree. Co-authored papers will not be considered.
The written paper must be submitted to the conference organisers a month prior to the first day of the annual conference (Monday the 27th of July 2026). Interested applicants should state their interest or ask any questions regarding the prize to Dr Lauren Beatty at lauren_beatty@hotmail.com
Provisional rates (subject to change)
* Full delegate: £160 for both days, £90 for one day.
* Retired/unwaged/postgrads & ECRs (not presenting): £100 for both days, £60 for one day
* Postgrads & ECRs presenting at the main conference (and who are not in a permanent role: Free.
BSSH will pay the conference and conference dinner fees for presenters who are students or within 3 years of completing a PhD and who do not hold a full-time academic post.
Please note all presenters must be BSSH members. Membership can be taken up at the time of registration.
Wine reception and conference dinner
The wine reception and conference dinner will be held on the evening of Thursday, 27 August at St Leonard’s Hall, Pollock Halls, University of Edinburgh. The cost of this will be approximately £50.
Accommodation
Given the incredible demand for accommodation in Edinburgh in August (the month of the Fringe and the Festival), we will have a significant amount of on-campus student accommodation available for delegates at Lee House, Pollock Halls. 12 rooms are available here on the night of Tuesday, 25 August; 50 rooms are available on Wednesday, 28 August and Thursday, 29 August each. Rooms are available at £63 each. When submitting your abstract, please indicate to Dr Matthew McDowell (matthew.mcdowell@ed.ac.uk) whether you are likely to seek on- or off-campus accommodation.
Childcare Bursaries
This year, the BSSH is also offering a small number of bursaries of up to £100 to contribute towards the costs of childcare, or other caring responsibilities. These are open to those wishing to present and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like more details, please contact BSSH Vice Chair, Dr Amanda Callan-Spenn (amandathyme.writer@gmail.com ).
Finally, any questions or queries about the conference can be directed to Dr Matthew McDowell at matthew.mcdowell@ed.ac.uk
Contact Information
Dr Lauren Beatty- lauren_beatty@hotmail.com for any questions relating to the PhD/ECR workshop or Richard Cox Prize
Dr Matthew McDowell- matthew.mcdowell@ed.ac.uk for any questions relating to the conference
Max Portman- bsshmembershipsecretary@outlook.com for any questions relating to the BSSH.
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