New Researchers in Maritime History Conference
At this annual conference, the British Commission supports emerging scholars who wish to share their work in a supportive environment and build relations with other maritime historians. We encourage applications from research degree students and warmly encourage participation by independent scholars. Contributions can address all aspects of maritime history in its broadest sense.
It is held in the spring of each year, and the location moves around Britain, as the conference is hosted by a variety of universities and museums and is sponsored by the Society for Nautical Research.
31st Conference for New Researchers
University of Southampton- 17-18 April 2026
Call for Papers
The British Commission for Maritime History (BCMH), in association with the University of Southampton, invites contributions to its thirty-first conference for new researchers.
The University of Southampton provides an ideal setting with its focus on the maritime world – offering courses in marine biology, oceanography, maritime law, ship science, maritime archaeology and history. It isa delightful setting for this annual conference and provides a unique opportunity for new scholars to present their work in a historic setting.
The Conference, which is supported by the Society for Nautical Research, helps emerging scholars who wish to share their work in a supportive environment and build relations with other maritime historians. We encourage applications from postgraduate students and warmly encourage participation by independent scholars. Contributions can address all aspects of maritime history in its broadest sense.
Those wishing to offer a paper should complete the online form available from
Please direct any queries to newresearchers@maritimehistory.org.uk
The deadline is 13 March 2026
Anyone interested in attending the conference without presenting a paper is also warmly invited to register an interest; further information will be sent to you and shared here in due course.
Find out more about previous years here.
