9 June 2020 will mark the 150th anniversary of the death of globally beloved author Charles Dickens (1812-1870). Unfortunately, many planned celebrations have been cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To encourage support of research and writing as our world copes with this crisis, and to bring us together for an important anniversary in this time of social distancing, #Dickens150, a virtual transatlantic global gathering, will take place on this date. All proceeds, after covering a minor technology fee, will be donated to the Charles Dickens Museum, London.
The organisers welcome submissions on any area connected to Dickens’s life and works, broadly conceived. The organisers particularly encourage submissions from those who were presenting at postponed or cancelled events but, recognising that many scholars around the world are lacking opportunities to network, get feedback and even just catch up, the organisers also solicit roundtables, panels, submission of written work for feedback, and lightning talks of 2-3 minutes on topics including (but not limited to) new publications and research problems.
The event will include a mix of keynotes, panels, shorter talks and networking opportunities using Zoom and Slack. Participants will need their own webcam/microphone, and if presenting will need to ensure they are familiar with Zoom before the day to help things run as smoothly as possible. Instructions for the use of both platforms will be sent to attendees. To make the most of the digital format, all presentations will be shorter than their offline counterparts, and we encourage participants to dip in and out throughout the day. Keynotes include Dr. Leon Litvack (Queen’s University Belfast) talking about his new research into Dickens’s death and burial, and Dr. Pete Orford (University of Buckingham) with further speakers TBC.
Submit abstracts of approx. 250-450 words for papers and written work and approx. 100 words for lightning talks using the Google form below to Dr Emily Bell (Loughborough University) and Lydia Craig (Loyola University Chicago) by 10 May 2020. For any questions, please email the organisers (e.bell@lboro.ac.uk and lcraig1@luc.edu).
Website and submission portal: https://dickens150.wordpress.com/.