BIAJS Conference 2025
Border Crossing in Jewish Studies
Glasgow University, Glasgow 7-9 July 2025
Please join us as BIAJS celebrates its 50th Anniversary!
The British and Irish Association for Jewish Studies (BIAJS) was established in 1975, as the British Association for Jewish Studies, to promote the academic study of Jewish culture, history, religion, and thought in the UK. The association was founded by scholars of Jewish studies to provide a platform for advancing research, encouraging scholarly exchange, and fostering the field’s growth in British academia. Recently renamed the British and Irish Association of Jewish Studies (BIAJS), we celebrate this legacy at our annual conference taking place in Glasgow, 7-9 July 2025 under the theme ‘Border Crossing in Jewish Studies.’
Call for Papers
In today’s globalized world, the concept of crossing borders takes on renewed significance. Borders are no longer just physical divisions; they encompass social, religious, and intellectual lines that are constantly being crossed and redefined. As Jewish history demonstrates, the negotiation of these boundaries—whether through migration or cultural blending—has the potential to transform both the individual and the communities in which they dwell. In many ways, border crossings have not only reshaped Jewish identity and practice but have also played a pivotal role in the development of broader societies, influencing cultural exchange, political landscapes, and intellectual thought.
With this in mind, we are pleased to announce a call for papers for our annual conference on the theme of Border Crossing in Jewish Studies. This interdisciplinary event seeks to explore the many dimensions of border crossings—geographic, cultural, religious, linguistic, intellectual, and disciplinary—within Jewish studies, as well as within Jewish history, experience and practice. We are particularly interested in papers that examine how Jews have navigated, challenged, and redefined borders across various contexts, both physical and metaphorical. Topics might include, but are not limited to: migration and displacement, cross-cultural exchange, interfaith interactions, the blending of traditions and identities, gender crossings and Judaism, passing, transnational approaches to Judaism, hybridity, ideas of Jewish ‘Diaspora’, spatial, temporal, or psycho-geographical ‘turns’ in Jewish studies, and more generally the role of borders in shaping Jewish thought, literature, and practice. We welcome perspectives from a range of disciplines, including history, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, religious studies, theology, political science, literature, education, linguistics, biblical studies, cultural studies and the arts, as well as topics that cross disciplinary boundaries.
Panel proposals and papers may contribute to understanding the fluidity and complexity of not only Jewish identity but also Jewish studies as a discipline in light of global movements and historical transitions. This conference aims to foster dialogue about the boundaries Jews and Jewish studies have encountered, transcended, or reimagined. We look forward to your contributions to this important conversation.
Proposals (250-300 words) and short bios (100 words) should be submitted to https://forms.gle/C1ZGy8u1UoTfippt8 by 14 February 2025.
Please see instructions on word counts and how to submit panel proposals and individual abstracts below
Questions can be addressed to: BIAJSConference2025@glasgow.ac.uk
Dr. Mia Spiro, President of BIAJS
Senior Lecturer in Modern Jewish Culture and Holocaust Studies,
Theology and Religious Studies, School of Critical Studies
University of Glasgow
Tips for submitting proposals
Please make sure proposals are clear, concise, and written in a manner that demonstrates how your work contributes to the conference’s theme or to broader scholarly conversations in Jewish Studies.
Papers should be no longer than 15-20 minutes to leave time for questions. Sessions are 90 minutes long. Once panel is confirmed, please plan accordingly to time limits.
Here’s a guide to help you craft a strong panel and paper proposal:
Panel proposals:
Theme
- Decide on a specific topic that allows for varied perspectives while maintaining a clear, cohesive theme. A well-defined focus can make the proposal compelling and accessible.
Assemble a Diverse Group of Panellists
- Choose Panellists with Complementary Expertise: Aim for a balanced mix of perspectives—different methodologies, geographical focuses, or theoretical approaches can make the panel richer.
- Consider Professional Diversity: Including early-career scholars, established researchers, or interdisciplinary experts can enhance the appeal. It is preferable if not all panellists are from the same institution. Diversity strengthens the panel’s representation of varied experiences and backgrounds.
- Invite Committed Panellists Early: Secure commitments from each panellist and verify that they are on board with the timeline and content requirements.
Draft the Panel Proposal
- Title: Create a compelling and informative title that captures the essence of the panel. Aim for something both catchy and descriptive.
- Abstract (150-300 words): Write a brief summary of the panel’s purpose, questions, and unique contributions. Make it clear what unites the papers and how the panel fits into larger disciplinary conversations.
- Individual Paper Summaries (150-200 words each): For each panellist, write a concise summary that explains their paper’s thesis, methodology, and relevance to the panel’s theme. Ensure each summary emphasizes how it connects to the other presentations.
- Panel Structure and Format: Specify if you’ll have a Q&A session, interactive components, or a respondent. Plan timing accordingly. Sessions are 90 minutes. If you have a 4-person panel or respondent, make sure that papers run no longer than 15 minutes so that there is time for questions.
- Explain the Significance: Clarify why the panel’s theme and each individual paper matter to the field. Highlight any new methodologies, theoretical frameworks, or case studies.
Finalize the Proposal and Adhere to Submission Guidelines
- Review the proposal for clarity, conciseness, and professionalism. Avoid jargon if possible and ensure that the language is accessible and compelling.
- Check the word count, formatting, and submission guidelines provided. Ensure that all files are in the correct format and meet any additional requirements.
Individual papers:
Topic
- Make sure your paper has a clear focus and can contribute meaningfully to the conference’s goals to expand scholarship in Jewish studies. A well-defined clear focus can make the proposal compelling and accessible.
Develop a Clear Thesis or Research Question
- Clearly outline the main argument or research question of your paper. A focused and specific topic is more likely to catch the reviewers’ attention than a broad or unfocused one.
- Think about what makes your research unique and why it is relevant to current discussions in your field. Identify if you’re using a novel approach, methodology, or perspective that adds to existing scholarship.
Write the Proposal Abstract
- Title: Choose a title that is engaging and clearly reflects your topic. Aim for a balance between being catchy and informative.
- Abstract (250-300 words):
- Start with a brief introduction that situates your topic within a broader scholarly context. Mention any relevant theoretical frameworks or historical contexts.
- Clearly state your main argument or the primary question your paper addresses and your approach.
- Explain how your paper contributes to the field and what new perspectives or findings it offers. Mention any key implications or questions it raises for further discussion.
- Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Aim to make your proposal accessible to a broad academic audience, including scholars who may not specialize in your exact area.
- Briefly place your research in conversation with existing scholarship. This helps reviewers understand how your paper builds upon or challenges existing work.
Proofread and Revise
- Read through your proposal carefully to ensure it’s free from typos, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing.