Call for Papers:

About the Conference:

The conference is scheduled to be a two-day event on September 11th and 12th, 2025, taking place at the Polish Academy of Sciences – Scientific Centre in Vienna (Boerhaavegasse 25, 1030 Vienna). To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, we invite researchers, scholars, and practitioners from various disciplines to participate in the conference titled “Year Zero: The 1945 Experience.” This event aims to encourage an interdisciplinary exploration of the significant social, historical, and cultural transformations that were initiated by the conclusion of the conflict, with a particular emphasis on the diverse experiences across Eastern, Central, and Western Europe, and, to a lesser degree, outside Europe.
The year 1945 marked both an end and a new beginning: a return to post-war ‘normality’ that was interwoven with complex processes of reconstruction, reconciliation, and reintegration within society. We invite submissions that address the following themes:

Political Landscape and Social Reintegration

• The rebuilding of societal ties
• Integration of displaced persons, prisoners of war, and concentration camp survivors
• Political transformations
• Geopolitical changes
• The rebuilding of war-torn cities and the experiences of their inhabitants
• Rehabilitation of society and changes in cultural identity

Cultural Reflections of ‘Year Zero’

• Representations of the end of war in literature, visual arts, and film
• Representations of the experiences in early-post war
• Comparative studies of cultural responses across European countries

Justice and Memory

• The settlement of perpetrators and the first war trials
• Initial efforts at commemorating war victims
• Contemporary political use of memory

The conference seeks to deepen our understanding of the multifaceted aftermath of World War II, emphasizing the diversity and commonality of European experiences. By examining the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of 1945,we aim to uncover new perspectives and foster interdisciplinary dialogue.

TIMELINE AND SUBMISSIONS

They invite proposals from historians, cultural and literary scholars, social scientists, and other interested parties. Submissions should either align with the conference themes or explore related topics. They encourage all interested individuals to submit a paper abstract (maximum 1,000 words) along with a brief biography of the author(s) by April 30, 2025. Selected speakers will be notified by May 19, 2025, and must confirm their participation by May 31, 2025.
Please send abstracts via email to office@vienna.pan.pl

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL
The organisers look forward to the upcoming event in Vienna and hope all the speakers can attend in person. However, depending on the circumstances, some presentations could be delivered online.
Please note that invited speakers will be responsible for their transport to and from Vienna. If needed, invited speakers will have their travel expenses reimbursed up to a sum of 150 EUR, and modest, free of charge accommodation will be provided by the Polish Academy of Sciences – Scientific Centre in Vienna. Please let them know in advanced, if you will require travel cost reimbursment and accomodation to participate.

Inquiries can be made by email to: monika.gromala@vienna.pan.pl