The year 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for the international academic community dedicated to the history of science, medicine, and nursing. With major international societies converging in Europe—most notably for the historic joint events in Edinburgh—keeping track of deadlines and registration dates is essential for researchers and nurse historians alike.
Below is the updated list of the main upcoming academic events, conferences, and call for papers (CFPs) for the remainder of 2026.
Quick Navigation:
The Godmother(s) Conference | Histories of Health (Leeds) | Transnational Humanitarianism (Barcelona) | Edinburgh Summer Meetings (ESHS & HSS)
Academic Conferences 2026: Quick Overview
| Conference / Event | Dates | Location / Venue | Status / Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Godmother(s) Conference | June 30, 2026 | INED Campus, International | Open |
| In/Out: Histories of Health | June 30 – July 3, 2026 | University of Leeds, UK | Registration Open |
| Transnational Humanitarianism | July 2–3, 2026 | IMF-CSIC, Barcelona, Spain | Open |
| ESHS & HSS Joint Meeting | July 13–16, 2026 | University of Edinburgh, Scotland | Registration Open |
| HSS Annual Meeting 2026 | August 17–20, 2026 | University of Edinburgh, Scotland | Registration Open |
Featured 2026 Events & Active Call for Papers
ESHS & HSS Joint Meeting: “Shifting Perspectives” (Edinburgh)
One of the most anticipated highlights of the year is the 2026 ESHS & HSS Joint Meeting, co-organized by the European Society for the History of Science and the History of Science Society.
- Dates: July 13 – July 16, 2026
- Location: University of Edinburgh, Scotland
- Theme: “Shifting Perspectives: Plural Worlds, Contested Sciences” This landmark event will bring together scholars from all over the world to explore historical narrative boundaries in the heart of Scotland.
HSS Annual Meeting 2026
Directly following the summer academic wave, the History of Science Society (HSS) will host its independent flagship event.
- Dates: August 17 – August 20, 2026
- Location: University of Edinburgh, Scotland If you are planning to attend, ensure your registration and travel details are finalized, as accommodation in Edinburgh during August peaks due to local summer festivals.
In/Out: Histories of Health and Healthcare Conference
For those focusing on the structural and psychological boundaries of medical history, the University of Leeds is hosting a vital meeting.
- Dates: June 30 – July 3, 2026
- Location: University of Leeds, UK This conference challenges researchers to look at structural, material, and emotional boundaries that have shaped healthcare from antiquity to the modern era.
Transnational Humanitarianism, Gender and Health
A highly specialized scientific meeting focusing on war and post-war history.
- Dates: July 2 – July 3, 2026
- Location: Institución Milà i Fontanals de Investigación en Humanidades (IMF-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- Core Focus: Exploring gendered practices, health networks, and humanitarianism between 1850 and 1950.
Godmother(s): Gendered Kinship, Care, and Power Dynamics
Organized by the National Institute of Demographic Studies (INED), this unique international conference is open for papers exploring elective kinship and care from the 19th to the 21st century.
- Conference Date: June 30, 2026
How to Utilize This Guide
If you are an active researcher, make sure to cross-reference these dates with your institutional funding calendars. For ongoing updates on international networks, European nursing journals, and linked academic circles, bookmark this page as we continuously update academic schedules.