Call for Applications: Training Week on Global History of Astronomy

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.

The goal is to collaboratively study, classify, and interpret astral sciences manuscripts in Latin, Greek, Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, and Chinese. 

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: 30 January, 2026

Submit your application.

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 see website.

We look forward to receiving your applications.

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