While there are numerous associations for Victorian studies around the globe, scholars in the “D-A-CH” region still lack a platform to connect with fellow Victorianists and discuss current developments in the field. This leads to the paradoxical situation that networking among close Victorianist neighbours based in German-speaking institutions typically takes place at the distance of travel to the UK or intercontinental flights to the US. While productive collaborations emerge from these transnational connections, the specific context and conventions of the German-speaking university system put DACH Victorianists in a position that differs markedly from that of international colleagues. Whereas scholars in Anglophone countries often pursue Victorian studies throughout their careers, researchers in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland are required to attain broad academic profiles that encompass several literary periods and genres. The result is that doctoral researchers must join one of the associations abroad if they want to present work-in-progress and leave behind Victorian studies if they want to continue with a Habilitation. Many postdocs, in turn, struggle to gain solid footing when entering Victorian studies after completing a PhD in a different field.
To address these difficulties and generate new opportunities for networking within the “D-A-CH” region, we founded the network DACH Victorianists in 2021. Our aim was to bring together scholars based in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland whose research and teaching focus on Victorian literature and culture and to open a forum for academics of all career stages to present and discuss research projects and methodologies.
We launched the network with an inaugural workshop in December 2021, followed up by a summer workshop in July 2022. Our current plan is to continue hosting two workshops per year and to collaborate with other DACH Victorianists who would like to organise these events. We started out with broadly themed workshops, where PhD, postdoc, and third-party funded research projects were presented, but as of December 2022, DACH Victorianists is entering new territories with thematic workshops addressing one special area of enquiry.
If you would like to join DACH Victorianists or hear more about our work, don’t hesitate to write to us or to join our mailing list.
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Ariane de Waal |
Sandra Dinter |