The complexity of haunting lies in its ability to encapsulate the interplay between the seen and unseen, the tangible and intangible, inviting scholars to unravel its intricacies and understand its implications across diverse facets of human experience. This two-day conference aims to bring together a diverse range of global researchers in any discipline whose works draws upon ‘haunting’ in some capacity, to facilitate cross-disciplinary discussions and establish a network of scholars working at the forefront of research in this area. We invite expressions of interest from anyone whose research engages with any aspect of haunting and is working in literature, philosophy, history, cultural and media studies, music, modern languages, sociology, and others.

A Two-Day Conference - Funded by the Cardiff University’s Research Culture Fund

Date and location

• Date: Tuesday 10^th – Wednesday 11^th June 2025
• Location: Cardiff University (Hybrid Format - Online and In-Person)

Organisers

• Dr Robert Lloyd (Cardiff University),
• Thomas Payré (Cardiff University and CY Cergy Paris Université),
• Dr Louise Child (Cardiff University),
• Morgan Lee (Cardiff University)
• Padmanabha Reddy Addula (Cardiff University and Bristol University)

Argument

The notion of ‘haunting’ encompasses a rich tapestry of meanings that extend beyond the spectral apparitions of Gothic fiction. It can signify the lingering trace or impact of something absent or hidden, manifesting as memories, emotions, or residues from the past that persistently influence – or disrupt – the present. A permeation of the uncanny, it blurs the lines between what is familiar and unsettling, invoking an eerie atmosphere of uncertainty or a sense of disquiet that transcends conventional understandings of the world and how we attempt to make sense of it. But haunting also extends beyond individual experiences, delving into collective and social realms. It can symbolize unresolved conflicts, hidden truths, or societal issues demanding acknowledgment, configuring it as a powerful metaphor within cultural texts as well as academic subjects and critical disciplines. It traverses temporal and spatial boundaries, intruding from the past - or, indeed, the future - into the present (and vice versa), and imbuing places with an enduring (non)presence, unbound by linear temporality.

The complexity of haunting lies in its ability to encapsulate the interplay between the seen and unseen, the tangible and intangible, inviting scholars to unravel its intricacies and understand its implications across diverse facets of human experience. This two-day conference aims to bring together a diverse range of global researchers in any discipline whose works draws upon ‘haunting’ in some capacity, to facilitate cross-disciplinary discussions and establish a network of scholars working at the forefront of research in this area. We invite expressions of interest from anyone whose research engages with any aspect of haunting and is working in literature, philosophy, history, cultural and media studies, music, modern languages, sociology, and others.

Submission Guidelines

We are hoping to include papers from scholars from all stages of research including Masters, Postgraduate Researchers, Early Career Researchers and established scholars.

We accept proposals written and presented in English for paper presentations (20-25 minutes) which establish some kind of connection with the idea of ‘haunting’, however conceived, in relation to their discipline across the Humanities and Social Sciences.

All are invited to Abstracts by April 13th.

Submitted abstracts should include a proposed paper title and summary of the content of your paper (circa 300 words) which will then be evaluated by the Conference Committee. This document should have all personal details removed to facilitate a blind review of submissions.

We kindly ask that interested participants also submit a separate document with a short biography (circa 100 words), including name, affiliation, stage of study (if applicable), and research area. Whilst we are very keen to have as many in-person presentations as possible, there will be an option to present online to be inclusive of our interest in a global network. Please indicate within the document which format you would prefer to present: online, or in-person.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided, so please indicate any dietary requirements or food allergies about which we should be aware.

Please submit the separate Abstract and Biography documents via email to the Conference Committee at Hauntingsconference@cardiff.ac.uk.

If you have any questions about the conference, please contact Dr Rob Lloyd (lloydrs2@cardiff.ac.uk) or Thomas Payré (payret@cardiff.ac.uk).Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 13^th April 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: End of April
• Deadline to Confirm Attendance: TBC
• Conference: Tuesday 10^th June and Wednesday 11^th June