Transnational Lives/Biography Across Boundaries

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Dates: Wednesday 26 July to Friday 28 July 2006

The Transnational Lives/ Biography Across Boundaries Humanities Research Centre Conference, convened by Professor Desley Deacon (ANU RSSS), Professor Angela Woollacott (Macquarie) and Associate Professor Penny Russell (Sydney), was held in Old Canberra House on 27 and 28 July 2006. It was preceded by a Plenary Address from Cassandra Pybus, hosted by the National Museum of Australia, on the evening of Wednesday, 26 July. A second plenary address by Martha Hodes opened the conference sessions on Thursday morning.

Scholars at the cutting edge of their fields were attracted to the conference from around the world and from varied disciplines, clear evidence of the energy and excitement currently being generated by the transnational studies and the intellectual possibilities of biography. Presenters at the conference came from the UK (University of Sussex), USA (University of Chicago, Emory University, University of Illinois-Urbana, University of Michigan, New York University, Northern Arizona University, Swarthmore College), Canada (University of Toronto), New Zealand, (Universities of Canterbury and Otago) and Japan (Tokyo University) as well as from the major universities of Australia. Speakers from Meanjin and the National Museum of Australia suggest the breadth of interest generated by the conference, beyond the academy.

The plenary papers both offered fascinating scholarly reflections on the processes of researching and writing new books, recently published or in press. This stance of mature reflection on a completed project provided a valuable introduction and anchor for the range of papers that followed, which were based on research at every stage of completion: from the early stages of postgraduate research to books nearing fruition. The varied disciplines, approaches, backgrounds and experiences represented at the conference created a scholarly environment of extraordinary intensity and excitement: the ‘buzz’ factor throughout the formal and informal discussions was palpable. The one drawback was the the number of papers required the use of parallel sessions, dividing audiences and making it impossible to hear every paper that one would like to. The convenors were aware of this problem but decided it was a better option than having to reject so many fine papers.

The quality of papers throughout was of a consistently high standard: not surprisingly, given that the number of paper offers far exceeded the available spaces and many impressive proposals had to be rejected due to lack of time. The convenors deemed so many of publishable quality that they are at present negotiating for the publication of two edited books: one with a primarily Australian, one with an international focus. Conversations with publishers are continuing and the prospects for publication are strong.

Canberra House is an ideal venue for such a conference. Both the atmosphere and the technical support were impeccable, with minor hitches in audio-visual presentations being promptly and efficiently attended to. The catering was highly praised by many delegates, the organizational support unobtrusive but exemplary. Registration proceeded smoothly and the publicity was well-managed and effective: as shown in the many paper offers received and the fact that registrations reached the maximum possible. Accommodation (in University House) was satisfactory.