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History and Archives in Practice 2027: Call for Participation

Engaged Pasts, Meaningful Futures: The Value of Archives, Practice and Historical Inquiry

Senate House, University of London | Wednesday 28 April 2027

History and Archives in Practice, now in its fifth year, demonstrates the enduring value of bringing people together around a shared passion for the past. It creates a welcome space where historians, archivists, researchers and practitioners from all backgrounds can connect, exchange ideas and discover new ways of working with collections. By encouraging meaningful dialogue across sectors and disciplines, it empowers participants to reimagine how historical study and archival collections can inform and enrich our futures. As a supportive environment, it invites colleagues to share approaches to overcoming adversity and insight into the ways in which we are adapting to change, while considering how as a collective, we might address the challenges the face our sectors.

For History and Archives in Practice 2027 (HAP27), we invite participants to reflect on the value of collections, archival practice and historical inquiry in connecting past to future. We are particularly interested in how collections, researchers and practitioners can work purposefully – through engagement, collaboration and innovation – to generate meaningful impact and contribute to more informed, inclusive and sustainable futures.

HAP27 aims to explore, but is not limited to, some of the following topics:

  • Advocacy and the value of history: In what ways are we demonstrating the importance and value of our work, training, and collections, in our institutions, our sectors, and in broader society? How can we work across sectors and disciplines to advocate for the importance of history within/on society, while navigating financial restrictions and change within institutions and regions?
  • Applied History and social impact: In what ways are archives and historical research having real-world impact and affecting meaningful change beyond our institutions? How can historical knowledge, methods, and perspectives be applied to contemporary challenges in public policy, education, culture, and civic life? What opportunities exist for historians, heritage professionals, and graduates to contribute more directly to decision-making, future planning, and public debate?
  • Embracing technologies as enabling tools: How are historians and archivists approaching emerging technologies critically and creatively? How can we embrace technologies as enabling tools to support deeper inquiries, to enrich our interpretations and open up our collections in meaningful ways?
  • Meaningful collaborations, co-creation and co-production: How are meaningful partnerships and initiatives with audiences, communities and stakeholders shaping more inclusive and impactful approaches to history and collections? In what ways are universities, archives, and the practitioners within each, connecting with people and projects outside of their institutions and within their region?
  • Purposeful practice and engaged research: What constitutes “impactful” engagement in different contexts? How are practitioners and engagement professionals critically and creatively leveraging collections to generate meaningful impact? How are archival collections and historical research actively contributing to furthering social cohesion, civic participation, and a shared sense of place and belonging?
  • Sustainable futures: When considering the future of historical research and collections, what responsibilities do practitioners have in embedding sustainability into their work, be it environmental, organisational, financial and/or sectoral? How do we articulate the social and economic value of historical research and collections, ensuring they are recognised not only as cultural assets but also as contributors to community wellbeing, education, innovation, and economic growth?
As with previous HAP events, we approach our theme by profiling and debating projects and ideas which embrace novel approaches to historical research and archival practice, and the potential to affect positive change. In doing so, we seek to offer attendees examples of practice, and lessons from practitioners from which we can all benefit, showcasing projects delivered by - and in partnership with - archivists, historians, practitioners and communities.

HAP27 is particularly keen to highlight and support smaller organisations, underrepresented collections and marginalised voices as well as new and emerging research.

Access Full Call for Participation and information about participant bursaries.

Deadline: Friday 16 October 2026 (23:45 GMT)

Please get in touch with HAP co-organisers at research@nationalarchives.gov.uk if you have any questions or you’d like to discuss your idea for another format. 

International Submissions:
Please note that HAP is an in person only conference, and therefore contributors will have to present in person at Senate House, London. Please note that we have a limited number of small bursaries, but these cannot be used to support international travel.
1.Name(Required.)
2.Organisation (please put N/A if not applicable)(Required.)
3.Email Address(Required.)
4.Social media handle(Required.)
5.Format(Required.)
6.Session title(Required.)
7.Abstract (max 300 words)(Required.)
8.What are some of the key takeaways that the HAP audience will gain from your contribution? (max 200 words)(Required.)
9.How will participating at HAP benefit you personally and/or professionally? (max 200 words)(Required.)
10.By checking this box, I confirm that I am available to attend the event in person in London.(Required.)
11.I would prefer to present in:
(please note that we may not be able to guarantee preference, but we will try our best to accommodate each request)