April 9, 2025

University of Manchester (UK)/online

Deadline: January 3, 2025

MADS (Methodological Approaches to Digital Spaces) is a FREE interdisciplinary symposium launched under the guidance and funding of NWCDTP to promote methodological and ontological advancements in the studies of digital spaces. MADS aims to explore diverse academic approaches to increasingly complex digital spaces, specifically focused on:

• new methods for exploring and preserving digital archives
  
• novel approaches to the collection and analysis of digital data
  
• consideration of inclusivity and ethics-based concerns
  

Examples of contemporary digital spaces that might be explored at MADS are internet forums and interactive websites, social media, video games, and the concept of the metaverse. A diverse array of panels will invite researchers in a wide variety of fields, including theoretical, methodological, and practice-based spheres (as well as interdisciplinary combinations thereof) to present their findings and explore the continuously shifting landscape of digital spaces.

MADS welcomes researchers of diverse backgrounds and research that centres intersectionality and inclusivity.

Please submit a 250-word abstract, contact information, and a 50-word biography through the following form.

3rd January 2025 - Abstract submission deadline

9th April 2025 - Symposium

Keynote information:

The symposium will feature a keynote speech from Dr Łukasz Szulc, Senior Lecturer in Digital Media and Culture and Co-Director of the Centre for Digital Humanities, Cultures and Media at the University of Manchester. Dr Szulc's talk, entitled 'Doing Research in the Digital Age', reflects on his experiences of the challenges and opportunities that digital media can present whilst studying queer and other marginalised communities. See website for Dr Szulc's full bio and the abstract for his talk.

Logistics:

The MADS symposium will take place in Room C1.18 and the Atrium of the Ellen Wilkinson Building at The University of Manchester, M15 6JA.  The building is wheelchair accessible.

The event will include a complimentary vegetarian lunch and refreshments throughout the day. 

The conference will be conducted in a hybrid format and will also be live streamed on social networks.

Travel Bursaries:

This symposium can offer 15 travel bursaries to PGRs studying at any of the NWCDTP’s member institutions.

If you need additional information, please contact us at mads2025x@gmail.com. 

This symposium is supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council through the North West Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership’s Cohort Development Fund.