MSA forward: Memory studies moving onward and upward

Abstract

This article serves as both an état présent of emerging scholarship in the interdisiplinary field of Memory Studies and a conference report following the first MSA Forward interactive workshop which preceded the second annual conference of the Memory Studies Association (MSA) in December 2017. MSA Forward is the postgraduate arm of the Memory Studies Association and offers a platform for exchanging ideas amongst a cohort of emerging scholars engaging with recent developments in Memory Studies and interacting with key academics in the field. The idea of engagement, with its political undertone, draws attention to the political valence and ethical sensitivity of emerging research as evidenced in this article, which contends that if Memory Studies is to be moving forwards as well as looking back, then it is important for emerging scholars as well as established academics to be at the forefront of the field.

Mobilizing MSA Forward

“…(qtd. in Teichler and Vince, 2018) Balé's comment showcases the vision we had in mind when we pitched the idea of MSA's very own PhD workshop to the founding co-presidents Aline Sierp, Jenny Wüstenberg, and Jeffrey K.…”

“…There is much more work that needs to be done, of course, but we look back on the past 10 years and the development that the MSA has undergone with pride and joy. As we noted in 2019, “if Memory Studies is to be moving forwards as well as looking back, then it is important for emerging scholars as well as established academics to be at the forefront of the field,” on the front line of research (Teichler and Vince, 2019b: 93).…”

“…The enthusiasm with which our idea was met indicates that there is both a desire and a need for such early career development schemes to exist. After having received more than 60 submissions, we selected 18 articles and participants from all over the world that demonstrated robust scholarship and a wide range of research interests (see Teichler and Vince, 2019b). The MSA provided us with a modest sum of money to support travel expenses for PhD students from the Global South.…”