PhD Workshop: Researching the Thing

Exploring different methodological approaches to study material culture, objects, and the agency of materiality. 10 April 2025, Swedish Defence University, Stockholm, Sweden.

How can we understand war and conflicts through things?

The Swedish Defence University (FHS) and Stockholm University (SU) invite PhD students to participate in a free-of-charge, one-day methodology workshop exploring different methodological approaches to study material culture, objects, and the agency of materiality and its implications for research on war and conflicts. This workshop is designed to create an interdisciplinary platform for discussing innovative methods and fostering collaboration among scholars engaged with material-focused studies in various fields. These fields include, but are not limited to, War Studies, Military History, Archaeology, Anthropology, and Political Science.

Workshop goals

• Equip PhD students with practical insights into applying new materialist methodologies to research topics relating to war and conflicts.
• Provide a forum for presenting and refining ongoing research projects.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration by connecting PhD students across disciplines.

Workshop programme, 10 April 2025

09:30 – Registration opens

10:00–12:00 – PhD project roundtable presentations

• Each participant will have 10 minutes to present their research (slides are optional).
• Presentations will focus on work-in-progress projects (no Q&A session during this segment).

12:00–13:00 – Lunch at the mess

13:00–15:30 – Methodological approaches workshop
Facilitator:

• Andrew Jones, Professor at the Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies, Stockholm University.
• International guests (TBA).

Workshop focus:

• Exploring how new materialist approaches can be applied across disciplines.
• Sharing theories and interdisciplinary methods to advance research within and beyond one’s primary discipline.
• Active discussion and feedback on methodological choices in participants' research.

The session aims to create a collaborative environment where participants can engage in dynamic discussions, seek feedback, and explore shared research interests.

16:00 – Networking drinks at the mess

Participant profile

This workshop welcomes PhD students from all disciplines who are engaged in research related to material cultures, objects, and the agency of materiality, whether they are in the early or advanced stages of their studies. Participants are expected to actively contribute by presenting their methodological approaches and exploring how their epistemologies connect to the study of materials.

There are 10 spots available and we are pleased to provide fika (coffee/snacks) and lunch during the event. However, please note that we cannot offer financial assistance for travel or accommodation.

Submission details

Abstract requirements:

• Length: maximum 300 words
• Include: title, keywords, name, institution, and contact information.
• Focus: methodologies relating to your research project
• Submission format: Please submit your abstract in PDF format.

As part of your application, please also discuss why you are interested in attending the event and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Deadline for submission: 28 February 2025.
Notification of acceptance: Mid-March 2025.

Main point of contact

Teemu Vaarakallio, Doctoral student - Department of Political Science, FHS
Teemu.Vaarakallio@fhs.se

Workshop organised by

• July Decarpentrie, Doctoral student, Department of War Studies, FHS
• Henrique Garbino, Doctoral student, Department of War Studies, FHS
• Teemu Vaarakallio, Doctoral student, Department of Political Science, FHS
• Rolf Warming, Doctoral student, Department of Archaeology and Classical Studies, SU & Visiting fellow, Department of War Studies, FHS.