Call for Papers: INSAP XIII: Celestial Connections Across Time and Space

(Queen’s University Belfast, 8-13 June 2025)

We are delighted to announce a call for papers for the INSAP XIII conference Celestial Connections Across Time and Space. This conference aims to bring together scholars, artists, and scientists from various disciplines to explore the multifaceted relationships between the skies - be it the stars, planets, or other celestial phenomena - and their influence across cultures, histories, and fields of study. INSAP’s purpose from its inception has been to foster a dialogue that bridges the gap between the sciences and the arts, encouraging a holistic understanding of the universe.

Themes and Topics:

We invite proposals for papers, presentations and posters on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Astronomy and Cosmology Through the AgesHow different civilisations have understood and interpreted the cosmos, including the development of astronomical knowledge, cosmological models and their influence on scientific progress.
• Astro-Architecture and Celestial AlignmentsStudies on ancient and modern architecture designed with astronomical significance, such as megalithic structures, sacred sites, and observatories aligned with celestial events.
• Art and the Celestial: The depiction of celestial bodies and phenomena in visual arts, literature, and music across different historical periods and cultures.
• Philosophy and the Cosmos: Philosophical interpretations of the universe.
• Literature and Myth: The portrayal of celestial events in literature, myths, and legends; how the skies have inspired narratives and storytelling.
• History of Science: The development of astronomical knowledge, key figures, and their contributions to understanding the universe.
• Space Exploration and Human ImaginationDiscussions on the impact of space exploration on contemporary culture, ethics, and the future of human civilisation, including the role of science fiction and speculative narratives.
• Interdisciplinary Approaches: Combining methodologies from different fields to explore celestial phenomena.
• Environmental and Ethical Implications of Space ExplorationConsideration of the environmental impact of space missions and the ethical questions surrounding the exploration and exploitation of outer space.

Submission Guidelines:

We welcome submissions from established scholars, early-career researchers, graduate students, practitioners in the arts and anyone interested in the sky. Submissions include:

• Individual Paper: Abstracts of up to 300 words and short bio of the author(s).
• Artistic Presentations or Performances: A description of the work (up to 300 words) and any technical requirements.

Key Dates:

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 22 December 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: 20 January 2025

Submission Process:

All submissions should include the following:

1. Title of the presentation.
2. Name(s) and affiliation(s) of the author(s).
3. Contact details.
4. A brief bio (up to 150 words).

Please submit your abstracts and proposals via the Proposal Submission Form:

Link to submission form

Conference Publication:

Papers from the conference will be considered for publication in a special journal issue of Culture and Cosmos.

Contact Information:

For any queries, please contact the conference organising committee at insapxiii@gmail.com