Wirth Institute for Austrian and Central European Studies

09/02/2026

We’re delighted to welcome three new scholars to the University of Alberta through the Wirth Institute’s faculty exchange and visiting professorship programs!

Joining us this fall are Brigitte Rath of the University of Innsbruck, whose research explores literary studies, game studies, gender, and q***r worlding; Ferenc Hammer of Eötvös Loránd University, a media and communications scholar whose work focuses on academic freedom and freedom of communication; and Philipp Strobl of the University of Vienna, our Visiting Austrian Professor, whose research examines migration, displacement, knowledge, and the history of Central Europe.

We’re excited to have them contributing to the Wirth Institute’s academic community and look forward to the conversations, collaborations, and new perspectives their visits will bring!

Learn more about our visiting faculty and faculty exchange opportunities: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/wirth-institute/opportunities/faculty/index.html

Faculty of Arts, University of Alberta

09/01/2026

🎵 Join us for Identity & Roots with Rafael Hoekman!

The Chamber Orchestra of Edmonton’s 2026/27 season marks a special 10-year milestone, celebrating a decade of fearless music-making in Edmonton.

The season continues with a special afternoon of music exploring heritage, memory, and connection. Cellist Rafael Hoekman brings a rich and passionate program featuring works by Pēteris Vasks, Andrzej Panufnik, and Grażyna Bacewicz.

📅 Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 3 PM
📍 St. Andrew’s United Church, 9915 148 St NW, Edmonton

Experience the beauty and power of Central and Eastern European music live!

For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.chamberorchestraofedmonton.ca/

09/01/2026

Don't miss this upcoming an artist talk and book presentation with artist Ernst Logar and Jamie Meyers-Riczu on Thursday, September 3 at 4 PM at the University of Alberta!

Reflecting Oil | Book Presentation
Jamie Meyers-Riczu in conversation with Ernst Logar
📅 Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 4 PM
📍 University of Alberta, Fine Arts Building, Room FAB 2-028

What does it mean to experience crude oil beyond the pages of petroleum science? Reflecting Oil is an interdisciplinary, art-based research project that explores crude oil through direct physical engagement, sensory perception, and aesthetic and symbolic interpretation.

The talk will introduce the Reflecting Oil book, which brings together the project’s research and outcomes, offering new perspectives on oil, petroculture, and the ways we understand this material through multisensory and practical knowledge.

All are welcome!

08/28/2026

The Wirth Institute joins colleagues and scholars around the world in recognizing the extraordinary life and legacy of Professor Berend T. Iván, one of Hungary’s most distinguished historians.

In what may be his final piece of writing, Professor Berend reflects on the defining journeys of his remarkable life: his experience as a child at Dachau, his first major international conference in Sweden, his move to Los Angeles, and the final journey that now lies ahead. Written as a farewell to his readers, the essay is a deeply moving reflection on history, memory, scholarship, and a life shaped by extraordinary experiences.

We encourage our community to take a moment to read Professor Berend’s beautiful final essay and to keep him and his family in their thoughts.

Read “My Two Great Journeys – and the Third” here:

In the original Hungarian:
https://ivanberend.substack.com/p/ket-nagy-utazasom-es-a-harmadik

English translation:
https://www.ualberta.ca/en/wirth-institute//media-library/news/berend_my-two-long-voyages.pdf

08/20/2026

📣 Call for Papers: 2027 West Coast Germanists’ Workshop at UC Berkeley

We’re pleased to share a call for papers for the 2027 West Coast Germanists’ Workshop, taking place March 12–13, 2027, at the University of California, Berkeley.

The workshop brings together scholars working in German studies and related fields and provides an opportunity to present research, exchange ideas, and connect with colleagues working on German-language and Central European topics.

Graduate students, early-career researchers, and scholars whose work engages with the broad interdisciplinary field of German studies are encouraged to take a look at the call and consider submitting their work.

📅 March 12–13, 2027
📍 University of California, Berkeley

For full details about the call for papers, submission guidelines, and deadlines, please visit:

Ninth West Coast Germanists’ Workshop: Borders and Belonging March 12-13, 2027 Workshop at the University of California, Berkeley, Conveners: Sheer Ganor (University of Minnesota), Stefan-Ludwig Hoffmann (University of California, Berkeley), Stefan Laffin (University of California, Berkeley), and...

08/20/2026

Join in online for “Kindertransport and W.G. Sebald: Historiography, Literature, and Place 25 Years On,” a special workshop exploring the intertwined legacies of the Kindertransport and the work of acclaimed German writer W.G. Sebald, with particular attention to his life and presence in Northeast England.

Hosted by the book review co-editors of Central European History, the workshop will bring together scholars to discuss historiography, literature, memory, and place, as part of preparations for a special review issue of the journal.

📅 September 5, 2026
🕘 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. EST
💻 Online via Webex
🎟️ Registration is free: https://wmich.webex.com/weblink/register/rfb0e7807e1f7af64a3d75c6542594dab

Whether you are a scholar, student, researcher, or simply interested in Central European history, literature, and memory, all are welcome to participate. Please feel free to share this event with colleagues and organizations who may be interested!

08/18/2026

We’re pleased to see Dr. Alexander Marcus recognized for the thoughtful work he’s doing at the University of Alberta and in Edmonton’s Jewish community.

Dr. Marcus is a valued member of the Wirth Institute’s Toby and Saul Reichert Holocaust Lecture Committee, and we’re grateful for the perspective, energy, and commitment to dialogue that he brings to the committee and to the broader community.

Congratulations, Alexander! Read more about his work and the connections he’s helping build in Edmonton: https://www.jewishedmonton.org/news-and-publications/hakol/alexander-marcus-finds-common-ground-to-help-move-initiatives-forward

In just one year, Dr. Alexander Marcus has made a remarkable impact on both the University of Alberta and Edmonton's Jewish community.

From expanding Jewish Studies and supporting student engagement on campus to helping foster dialogue, collaboration and interfaith understanding, Alexander is finding common ground and helping move important initiatives forward.

Read how his work is strengthening connections and creating new opportunities for learning and engagement across our city: https://www.jewishedmonton.org/news-and-publications/hakol/alexander-marcus-finds-common-ground-to-help-move-initiatives-forward

08/14/2026

🎭 Join the University of Alberta Department of Drama for their upcoming production of Snow White, a provocative play by Austrian Nobel Prize-winning author Elfriede Jelinek. Helmed by esteemed theatre scholar, director, member of the Wirth Academic Advisory Board, Piet Defraeye, the work offers a fascinating experience of contemporary Central European theatre, bringing a distinctly European perspective to the U of A stage.

Learn more about Snow White and the Stage Lab: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/drama/on-stage/stage-lab.html

Join us for StageLab 2026, a chance to explore works-in-progress and faculty research showcasing the creative activity of Drama department faculty.

08/12/2026

📣 Call for Papers: Central European History Convention 2027

The Wirth Institute is delighted to announce the Call for Papers for the second Central European History Convention (CEH-C), taking place July 15–17, 2027, in Vienna! We are thrilled to once again join the University of Vienna and the Institute of Austrian Historical Research in bringing together scholars from across the world for a dynamic, engaging, and convivial exchange on the history of Central Europe.

The CEH-C welcomes scholarship spanning specialties, national and linguistic traditions, generations of scholars, and historical periods -- from the Middle Ages through the Second World War. We are especially excited to support this wonderful opportunity for scholars to connect, share their research, and build new conversations and collaborations around Central European history.

📅 Deadline to submit a paper: September 13, 2026

There are no registration fees, with subsidies available for participants based on need and funding availability. Opportunities are also available for those interested in serving as panel chairs, discussants, or mentors for emerging scholars.

We hope to see many of you in Vienna in 2027! 🇦🇹

Learn more and submit your proposal: https://ceh-c.univie.ac.at/news/call-for-2027/?fbclid=IwcGRvZgVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEey0CmPNqfAV5gqm7lzpbPpaODa52amuMOEA6zpMnPb7kPZD9Xp80qvqlGl3k_aem_p15-rmaeI7n57p8Fhc1XLA

Call for 2027

08/05/2026

Discover Central Europe -- one café at a time! ☕🥐

Our Central European Café Series returns next month in a NEW location! The Central European Café is a free monthly gathering that brings together Central Europe-curious newcomers and longtime enthusiasts in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Each café features a new theme, engaging guest speakers, and fascinating conversations exploring the history, culture, music, and people of Central Europe. 🌍

Along with delicious European-style pastries, refreshments, and beverages, you'll also have the chance to meet visiting scholars, doctoral fellows, researchers, and other special guests from across Central Europe. ☕️🍰

Whether you're looking to learn something new, connect with others, or simply enjoy great conversation over coffee, there's always a seat waiting for you. We can't wait to host you in our new home at Henderson Hall in Rutherford Library!

Faculty of Arts, University of Alberta