Séminaire El Laboratorio

El Laboratorio: Seminar for the History of Latin American Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine


Call for Papers


April 11-12, 2024 (Virtual) 

The Seminar for the History of Latin American Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine, or El Laboratorio, is a seminar designed for the exchange and growth of the field through discussions and constructive feedback. It welcomes papers from scholars who work at the intersection of the Latin American history of STEM, STS, and the environmental humanities to not only provide feedback but also to ask questions that previously may not have been addressed.

Because of the fruitful overlapping between the three fields, the first Seminar will explore the Exchanges and Intersections between the History of STEM, STS, and the Environmental Humanities in Latin America. This transdisciplinary dialogue will underscore the different “nodes” of knowledge that traverse the region and the fields. From lithium mining to the Tren Maya to protests by Indigenous communities, how Latin American society and culture has responded to scientific, environmental, or technological changes over time reveals localized production and exchanges of expertise. Rather than conference-like presentations, we want to have a conversation that helps us to address our various research questions as well as to identify the shifts in the historiography.

Roughly ten (10) papers will be selected in order to keep the group small. Two slots are reserved for advanced doctoral students. Authors will be asked to attend both days of the two-day workshop in order to not only share their work but also participate in the exchange.

To maintain accessibility and inclusivity, the seminar will be online. Also, papers in English, Spanish, and Portuguese are welcome.

To apply, send in a single PDF an abstract (250 words max.) and a short bio (100 words max.) to ellaboratorioseminar@gmail.com by Friday, December 1, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The seminar dates will be: April 11-12, 2024. Papers will be due in early March and will be pre-circulated.

The Seminar is sponsored by the History departments of University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Virginia Commonwealth University. We thank our sponsors for their generous support.



FAQs:

What is the time commitment for the Seminar?

The Seminar will be April 11-12, 2024. Five papers will be presented the first day; five papers the next day.

Who comments on the papers?

We all do. However, in some cases, other participants will be asked to comment on the papers if they overlap in themes or topics. Comments by assigned discussants will be limited to 10 minutes. Then, all will be expected to participate and offer constructive feedback. Moderators will keep time and ensure an equal engagement with all presenters.

My work is in the dissertation stage. Should I apply?

Participation is limited to advanced graduate students (ideally, ABDs who can present a dissertation chapter), junior and senior faculty, and independent scholars. Your work should be original and rely on primary sources.

Will the seminar provide an honorarium for our time?

Yes, with the support of our sponsors, we can offer $150 to all Seminar presenters for their two-day participation.

I am not a historian. Can I apply?

We welcome submissions from our cousins in literature, environmental humanities, STS, and social sciences who work on Latin America.

I’m an independent scholar. Can I apply?

We welcome your work!

What is the format of the presentations?

Each presenter will introduce their topic for 8-10 minutes (where they got the idea, any questions or doubts they may have regarding the format, analysis, methodology, etc.).

Do we have to be based in the U.S.?

No, we welcome papers from colleagues around the globe.

Why are you trying to keep the group small?

We want to create a comfortable and supportive environment for participants who are sharing their work as well as their questions regarding research and methodologies.

Do I need to pay a membership to someone?

No.

How did this Seminar get started?

The Seminar was co-founded by Dr. Carlos Dimas, Associate Professor of History at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Dr. Rocío Gomez, Associate Professor of History at Virginia Commonwealth University. It is inspired by and modeled after the successful Southwest Seminar, initially hosted by the University of Arizona History Department, which focuses on emerging scholarship in the History of Colonial Latin America.



Contact Information
Rocío Gomez, VCU
Carlos Dimas, UNLV 

Contact Email
ellaboratorioseminar@gmail.com