Wadham Symposium 2025

On Saturday, 8 February, 38 members of the Wadham community, including students and staff from a variety of disciplines, gathered for a full day of discussion centered around the theme of MARGINS. This annual interdisciplinary symposium has been a cornerstone of Wadham’s academic life for over twelve years. Each year’s theme is chosen for its resonance across multiple fields and its relevance to pressing global issues.

This year’s theme sparked a wealth of thought-provoking conversations. We explored, for instance, what it means to exist on the margins, considering the political implications of artificial intelligence in the Filipino economy. We also delved into the politics of marginalization, reflecting on the experiences of Armenians in Early Modern Iran. Lastly, we discussed how our disciplines might approach the concept of margins rather than the mainstream, drawing inspiration from the holographic revolution as a compelling example.

Short presentations, offered by a diverse mix of undergraduates, visiting students, postgraduates, lecturers, staff, and fellows, prompted rich perspectives and created an atmosphere of meaningful reflection and idea exchange. The event thrives because everyone voluntarily commits to a full day of intellectual engagement, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collaboration. This collective enthusiasm makes the symposium a truly rewarding experience: an opportunity that captures Wadham’s intellectual spirit, where participants come together in mutual respect, curiosity, and enjoyment, and explore how collaborative thought can evolve.

Conveners:

Tehila Sasson, Associate Professor and Tutorial Fellow in History

Norman Aselmeyer, Pat Thompson DAAD Fellow in Modern History