The American Association for the History of Nursing (AAHN) has opened the call for papers for the AAHN Virtual Conference 2026. This 2nd Annual Virtual Conference invites graduate students and early career researchers to explore the compelling theme of “Space, Place, and Patients.”

Scheduled to take place via Zoom from February 19–21, 2026, this event represents a significant opportunity for emerging scholars to present their work to a global audience.

Exploring Space, Place, and Patients

The conference seeks to examine the history of healthcare through the lens of physical and conceptual spaces. While submissions that specifically consider the role of nurses or the nursing profession within these contexts are highly welcomed, the scope is broad.

Presentations may address any aspect of healthcare history within any geographic region or temporal frame. This inclusive approach encourages a diverse dialogue on how space and place have shaped patient experiences and medical practices throughout history.

Eligibility and Submission Guidelines

This call is specifically targeted at the next generation of historians. The AAHN is seeking submissions from:

• Senior undergraduate students.
• Graduate students.
• Early career researchers (defined as those up to 5 years post-PhD).

Note: While the call for papers is targeted at students and early researchers, everyone is welcome to attend the event to support the presenters and engage in historical discourse.

Presentation Format

Accepted presenters will be allotted 20 minutes to deliver their paper. This will be followed by a 10-minute question and answer period, allowing for in-depth engagement with the audience.

Membership Requirements

You do not need to be a member of the AAHN to submit an abstract. However, if your paper is accepted, you must be (or become) a member to present at the conference.

Student Membership Discount: The AAHN offers a special benefit for students: two students from the same institution can secure membership for a total of $100 USD. For more details on benefits, please verify the AAHN Membership Information.

Important Dates and How to Submit

To participate in the AAHN Virtual Conference 2026, please ensure you submit your 250-word abstract by the upcoming deadline.

• Submission Deadline: January 23, 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: End of January 2026
• Conference Dates: February 19-21, 2026

Where to Submit: Please upload your abstract via the official form here: AAHN Graduate Student & Early Career Researcher Online Conference Abstract Submissions.