We are pleased to announce the second iteration of the “Training week: Global history of astronomy week on primary sources”, which will focus on cosmology, physics, and astrology.

This intensive, hands-on workshop is designed for advanced doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and early career faculty specialising in astral sciences. The event is organized by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) and the Observatoire de Paris.

Key Information

• Dates: June 8 – June 12, 2026
• Location: Bibliothèque nationale de France and Observatoire de Paris
• Goal: To collaboratively study, classify, and interpret astral sciences manuscripts in Latin, Greek, Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, and Chinese.
• Theme Focus: The workshop will focus on the physical/cosmological and astrological aspects of different theories and practices of astral sciences.

Workshop Pillars

The program offers a unique triad of learning experiences:

1. Primary Sources: Direct engagement with physical manuscripts, printed books, and instruments in the Parisian archives. Dedicated sessions will cover Arabic/Persian, Chinese, Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit sources, among others.
2. Digital Tools: Introduction to cutting-edge digital humanities and AI tools specifically designed for the analysis of astronomical sources, including textual analysis and the digitisation of tables and complex diagrams.
3. Student Projects: Hands-on group research where participants can work with pre-selected sources or propose their own. A key opportunity is comparing Parisian archives with documents from other global repositories.

 

Application Details

• Eligibility: Advanced doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and early career faculty specialising in astral sciences. 

• Application Materials: Send your CV (1 page maximum) and a letter of motivation (2 pages maximum) to support your application. 

• Deadline: January 30, 2026 

• Registration Form:  https://framaforms.org/registration-training-week-a-global-history-of-astronomy-on-primary-sources-1738244383

 

A limited number of grants will be proposed to support participants from low-income countries and/or with little institutional support.

 

For more detailed information, please refer to the website: https://eida.hypotheses.org/seminars-2/2026-training-week-global-history-of-astronomy-week-on-primary-sources-a-focus-on-cosmology-physics-and-astrology

 

We look forward to receiving your applications.

Professor Anuj Misra, on behalf of the organising committee

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