About the CISH Centennial Conference 2026
The CISH centennial conference celebrates 100 years of international cooperation in the historical sciences since the foundation of the CISH in Geneva on May 14, 1926. More than 60 panels and special events explore the developments, dynamics, and diversification the historical sciences have undergone over the past decades while also fostering inspiration for future research and innovation.
The conference will serve as an opportunity for
- a balanced reflection on the current state of historiography, taking into consideration a wide range of historiographical traditions and schools of thought;
- a mobilization of historians as broad as possible in terms of geography, gender, and age as well as the inclusion of various approaches and political orientations to contribute to such a balance;
- and a comparison of historiographical fields and their current standings, together with discussions of cross-fertilization, with the aim of deepening a broader understanding of common goals and hazards.
The panels are organized around 10 conference themes:
- A – The Comité International des Sciences Historiques 1926-2026
- B – Teaching History and Public History
- C – National and Regional Schools of Historiography
- D – (Overcoming) Marginalization, Bias and Inequality in Historiography
- E – Gendered Perspectives in the Historical Sciences
- F – Demography and Historiography
- G – Future Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Historical Science
- H – The Institutional Setting
- I – The Impact of Conflict, War and Peace on Historiography
- J – Connections, Entanglements, and Universal Perspectives on History
History & Background
The International Committee of Historical Sciences (ICHS) or le International Committee of Historical Sciences (CISH) has been founded in Geneva on May 15, 1926. Today, the organization encompasses a total of fifty-three countries.
The ICHS includes two sorts of organizations. First of all, there are the National Committees formed in each country from their individual centers for historical research. In addition, International Commissions specializing in particular fields of history (some known as ‘International Affiliated Organizations’ and others as Internal Commissions) have formed over the years.
The major occupation of the ICHS is the Congress, held every five years.
The Committee shall hold a General Assembly at least every three years. Each Congress shall be immediately preceded and followed by a General Assembly.
A Board is responsible for the functioning and co-ordination of ICHS activities
Conference Themes
Throughout the congress, sessions and events are color-coded by theme to help you navigate the programme and identify topics of interest.
A- The Comité International des Sciences Historiques 1926-2026
B - Teaching History and Public History
C - National and Regional Schools of Historiography
D - (Overcoming) Marginalization, Bias and Inequality in Historiography
E - Gendered Perspectives in the Historical Sciences
F - Demography and Historiography
G - Future Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Historical Sciences
H - The Institutional Setting
I - Revolution, Conflict, War and Peace in Historiography
J - Connections, Entanglements, and Universal Perspectives on History
Organizing Committee
The members of the local organizing committee add their expertise in the historical sciences and area studies to the CISH centennial conference and support the coordinators.
Dmitri van den Bersselaar (African Studies)
Leipzig University
Markus Denzel (Early Modern Economic History)
leipzig University
Nadin Heé (Japanese Studies)
Leipzig University
Elisabeth Kaske (Chinese Studies)
Leipzig University
Axel Körner (Modern History)
Leipzig University
Dirk van Laak (Contemporary History)
Leipzig University
Megan Maruschke (Global Studies)
Leipzig University
Steffi Marung (Global Studies)
Leipzig University
Lea Middell (Coordination)
Leipzig University
Matthias Middell (Cultural History)
Leipzig University
Mahren Möhring (Comparative History)
Leipzig University
Maren Röger (Eastern European Studies)
Leipzig University