The Eighth Islamic Manuscript Conference
The Science of Manuscripts; Manuscripts of Science
9-11 July 2012, Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Call for Papers
The Islamic Manuscript Association is pleased to announce that the Eighth Islamic Manuscript Conference will be held at Queens’ College, University of Cambridge from 9-11 July 2012. The Conference will be hosted in cooperation with the Thesaurus Islamicus Foundation and the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre of Islamic Studies, University of Cambridge.
The Association invites the submission of abstracts on topics related to the study of Islamic manuscripts – particularly codicology – and the care and management of Islamic manuscript collections. Preference will be shown to submissions pertaining to the Conference’s double theme: The Science of Manuscripts; Manuscripts of Science.
For the first theme, The Science of Manuscripts, examples of possible paper topics include the material analysis or identification of inks, pigments, dyes, sizes, and manuscript supports including papyrus, paper, parchment, and other supports such as palm leaf or bark.
For the second theme, Manuscripts of Science, examples of possible paper topics include surveys of collections of scientific manuscripts, studies of artists’ handbooks and manuals (art technological source research), explanations of issues specific to the cataloguing of Islamic scientific manuscripts, and the development of learning materials based on Islamic scientific manuscripts through the use of digital imaging and other technologies.
The Conference will be organised around the Association's four key working areas: cataloguing, conservation, digitisation, and research and publishing; and papers falling into these broad categories will be included in the relevant panel.
The Association will also consider submissions on topics that do not fall directly under the purviews of the working groups but are yet concerned with scholarship on Islamic manuscripts or the care and management of Islamic manuscript collections. Please note that the total number of papers accepted will not exceed 25 and that preference will be given to speakers who have not presented papers at the Association's previous conferences.
The invitation is open to members and non-members of the Association. The languages of the Conference will be Arabic and English, and submissions will be accepted in both languages. The deadline for submissions is 0900 GMT on 12 November 2011 . Late submissions will not be considered. The duration of each conference paper is 30 minutes inclusive of 10 minutes of questions and answers.
The Association will pay for round-trip travel to Cambridge, accommodation in Queens’ College, and College-based meals for authors whose papers are accepted.
Please send an abstract of 250 words, a one-page resume, and the attached cover sheet to the Association’s Executive Committee at the below email, fax or postal address:
The Islamic Manuscript Association Ltdc/o 33 Trumpington Street
Cambridge CB2 1QY
United Kingdom
Fax: +44 1223 302 218
Email: admin@islamicmanuscript.org