Since 2003, the RIAS has organized a seminar for doctoral students pursuing research in American History / American Studies twice a year. The next seminar will take place in Middelburg on 26-28 November 2025. We kindly invite applications from current doctoral candidates whose research covers any aspect of American culture, media, society, politics, or foreign relations, current or historical.

We are particularly interested in studies in the following research areas:

  • Culture and ideology
  • U.S. in the world
  • Environmental issues
  • Race and gender studies
  • Social justice movements, civil and political rights

We welcome proposals for research papers (e.g., a dissertation chapter) or papers that provide an overview of the PhD project. Participants will present their paper and contextualize it within their research project in a 15-minute presentation. Each presentation is followed by a group discussion of approximately 45 minutes, providing extensive opportunities for feedback.

Applicants are invited to submit their proposals, consisting of a 300-word abstract and a CV, both in PDF, no later than Friday, 10 September 2025. These should be addressed to the seminar coordinator, Jeanine Quené, and sent to info@roosevelt.nl.

To support a culture of diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage proposals from students that reflect the diversity of our field in terms of gender, ethnicity, and disability.

Participants will be expected to have a paper (approximately 6,000 words) ready for pre-circulation by Friday, 7 November 2025.

The RIAS will provide accommodation and meals in Middelburg.

Click here for more information.