The Slavic Reference Service, in collaboration with the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is pleased to announce the inaugural Balkan Research Forum. This forum aims to spotlight Balkan studies and bring together scholars in all disciplines and at all stages of the research process to discuss the theme “Shifting Borders and Identities in the Balkans.”
More than simply lines on a map, borders are fluid entities that can be contested, crossed, and intensely personal – extending beyond geographic spaces to shape language, memory, nationality, and belonging. The Balkans have been profoundly impacted by changing borders and by shifting political, social, and cultural landscapes, as well as global dynamics. From the fall of empires and the redrawing of state boundaries to the emergence of new nations, migration, displacement, and the persistence of cultural communities across borders, the region provides a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of territory and identity.
The inaugural Balkan Research Forum invites proposals examining how changing borders have influenced the ways individuals and communities understand identity, including nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, and memory. We particularly invite proposals that examine broader global dynamics that influence Balkan borders and identities.
We welcome contributions from scholars at all career stages and encourage graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, librarians, and archivists to submit proposals.
Participants are welcome to present in any language, but we ask that an accompanying English translation of any remarks and/or materials be provided.
The inaugural Balkan Research Forum will be held on April 8-9, 2027. Those interested in presenting should submit an abstract by February 5, 2027, at 11:59 p.m., CST. Zoom details will be shared the week of the forum.
If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please do so here: 2027 Balkan Research Forum | Proposal Submission. Abstracts should be 250-350 words, and accompanied by a 75-100 word biography of the presenter.
If you are interested in attending (but not presenting), please register here: 2027 Balkan Research Forum | General Registration.
Questions? Contact the Slavic Reference Service (srscite@library.illinois.edu).