Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Military Research, Education & Public Engagement, in partnership with the Scottish Armed Forces Evidence & Research Hub (SAFE&R), are delighted to host Scotland's inaugural conference on Armed Forces in Society.
"Identity, Purpose and Belonging: The First Scottish International Conference on Armed Forces in Society" will be a combination of research seminars, colloquiums, workshops and public events that will take place at the end of Edinburgh's Festival Season.
The Conference is designed to offer delegates the opportunity to engage with peer, international and UK based, researchers and practitioners from a wide variety of disciplines - from Military Sociology to Strategic Studies, Art and Engagement to Veterans Affairs. We hope to provide the opportunity for researchers from around the world to share their work at our Craiglockhart Campus, in the Southeast of Edinburgh.
Known as the Craiglockhart War Hospital from 1916-1919, Craiglockhart became famous as the site of Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owens first meeting as poets. In addition to exploring our poetic heritage, delegates will have the opportunity to explore some of Edinburgh’s historic culture and the heritage of our armed forces community within Scotland while at the conference.
The Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement was established in 2020 with an aim to consolidate existing knowledge through the development of a collaborative community of research and practice. In partnership with Scottish Armed Forces Evidence and Research (SAFE&R) our mission is to harness the combined knowledge of multiple academic institutions and military practitioners to provide rigorous analysis and incisive commentary that contributes to sound, evidence based military policy and practice.
This conference is sponsored by the Veterans’ Foundation who have also funded the creation and continued development of SAFE&R.
Over the course of the conference the Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement is pleased to participate in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, through launching Forces at the Fringe. This will be a series of public events and exhibitions, hosted both at Craiglockhart and other Fringe Venues, that aim to connect and critically examine the role of armed forces in our society. The full programme will be launched after the main Festival Fringe Society Launch in June.
We are a Gold covenant university
Edinburgh Napier University is the first university in Scotland to be awarded Gold Covenant status.
Conference Theme
The Conference is a combination of research seminars, colloquiums and workshops, each day has its own unique theme.
Day 1 (22 August) - International Arrivals/Conference Registration & Doctoral Day and Military History
Day 2 (23 August) - Arts & Humanities in the Armed Forces
Day 3 (26 August) - Armed Forces Covenant & Transition
Day 4 (27 August) - Armed Forces Family & Child, Transition, Employment & Life Long Learning
Day 5 (28 August) - Health, Mental Health & Wellbeing
Key Dates
• Submissions deadline: 30 June 2024
• Submissions of revised paper summary: 15 July 2024
• Registration deadline: 16 August 2024
• Conference: 22 - 28 August 2024
For further information about the conference please contact: FSICAFS@napier.ac.uk