Making connections medieval style!
“Inspiring” collaborations ensured campus was “buzzing” throughout the 30th Leeds International Medieval Congress (IMC).
Preparing for battle with a medieval cannon
More than 2,600 colleagues from across the humanities came together – in person and virtually – from 3-6 July to enjoy a packed academic programme running alongside a wide variety of medieval-themed activities.
Representing more than 60 countries, the IMC also produced 1,200 hours of session recordings – equivalent to more than 1.4 terabytes of data! – the majority of which registered delegates are able to access online until the end of August.
The special thematic focus on ‘networks and entanglements’ proved a timely opportunity for colleagues across multiple disciplines to consider interconnections, both in medieval times and in our modern, globalised world. Collaborating to achieve our shared goals and ambitions is at the very heart of our own University strategy.
Colleagues on campus were further entertained by Making Leeds Medieval – the IMC’s exciting public engagement day. Highlights included a static cannon display in Beech Grove Plaza, as well as the striking scene of Viking reenactors doing battle outside Leeds University Union!
Elsewhere, colleagues enjoyed getting up close and personal with falcons and other birds of prey from specialists SMJ Falconry, as well as listening to medieval melodies courtesy of De Mowbraye’s Musicke.
More than 30 publishers from around the world took over Parkinson Court for the IMC Bookfair, while a range of makers set up around University Square for the Medieval Craft Fair. Other public events, excursions and performances also ran throughout the week.
Reneactors Eran ud Turan arrive on campus in full costume!
IMC Director Dr Axel Müller said: “It was inspiring to see so many colleagues from across the University and beyond come together at IMC 2023.
“The range of activities available complemented the academic programme, and demonstrated the value and importance of medieval studies and the wider humanities disciplines
“The IMC is about connections, whether that’s connecting scholars from all over the globe or bringing colleagues from different disciplines together on campus. It was really striking to see how many collaborations took place at Leeds – there was a real lively buzz on campus!”
The IMC will return next year from 1-4 July, when the special thematic focus will be ‘crisis’. The call for papers will open shortly.
Posted in: University newsResearch and innovation