INSAP 2025 – Celestial Connections Across Time and Space  

Dates: 8-13 June 2025  
Location: Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK  

Subject Fields: Art, Art History & Visual Studies, Environmental History / Studies, History of Science, Medicine, and Technology, Humanities, Literature, Anthropology, Cartography, Geography

Abstract Deadline: 22 December 2024

Presentation Duration: c. 20 minutes
Abstract Length: up to 300 words
Publication Opportunity: Selected papers in Culture and Cosmos journal
Notification of Acceptance: 20 January 2025

Key Areas of Interest:
1. Astronomy and Cosmology Through Ages
2. Astro-Architecture and Celestial Alignments
3. Art and the Celestial
4. Philosophy and the Cosmos
5. Literature and Myth
6. History of Science
7. Space Exploration and Human Imagination
8. Interdisciplinary Approaches
9. Environmental and Ethical Implications of Space Exploration

Submission Requirements:
- Title
- Author(s) name(s) and affiliation(s)
- Contact details
- Brief bio (up to 150 words)
- Abstract/proposal (up to 300 words)

*Note: This interdisciplinary conference welcomes submissions from established scholars, early-career researchers, graduate students, and arts practitioners/performers.*

>>Please, find the full Call For Papers at this web address: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/Research/ConferencesandSymposia/INSAP2025/CallforPapers/ >>

**IMPORTANT: Only 26 days remaining until the submission deadline!**

The 13th International Conference on the Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena (INSAP) will bring together scholars, artists, and enthusiasts from various disciplines to explore how astronomical phenomena have shaped human thought, culture, and creativity across history. The acronym INSAP stands for Inspiration of Astronomical Phenomena, highlighting the conference's focus on the profound influence of celestial events on science, philosophy, art, and literature.  

For the INSAP association,its history, mission and past conferences, please visit the INSAP website at https://insap.org/ .

This year’s theme, Celestial Connections Across Time and Space, will foster interdisciplinary dialogue, bridging the gap between the sciences and the humanities. The conference will explore topics ranging from ancient sky lore and neolithic astronomy to modern astrophysics and space exploration.  

Keynote Speakers: 

• Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell (Department of Physics, Oxford University)  
• Professor Tom Ray (Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies)  
• Clive Ruggles (School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester)

Key Topics:  
 - Ancient astronomy and indigenous sky lore  
 - Neolithic sites like Newgrange, Dowth, Knowth, and Stonehenge  
 - Advances in astrophysics and space exploration  
 - Art and astro-photography exhibitions  
 - Interactive workshops and panel discussions      and much more....

The conference will take place at Queen’s University Belfast, with a special session on 13 June at the historic Armagh Observatory, one of the oldest observatories in the UK and Ireland, renowned for its research in solar physics and stellar activity.  

Social and Cultural Events  
- Welcome Reception (8 June): Held in the Rotunda of Belfast City Hall, including a private guided tour of areas typically closed to the public, such as The Council Chamber and the Robing Room.  
- Conference Dinner (12 June): Hosted at Belfast Castle, situated on the scenic slopes of Cave Hill Country Park.  
- Visits and Stargazing:  
 - Guided tours of astronomical landmarks, including the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.  
- Optional tour (14 June) of Ireland’s key neolithic sites: Newgrange, Dowth, and Knowth.  
- Other Activities: Cultural and musical performances, a guided bus tour of Belfast, and stargazing sessions under Northern Ireland’s legendary skies.  

Why Northern Ireland?  
Northern Ireland’s stunning landscapes, megalithic monuments (e.g., the Giant’s Ring and Beaghmore Stone Circles), and clear starry nights offer a unique setting where the heavens and Earth converge.  

Supporters and Partners 
The conference is supported by Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Arts, English and Languages, the ‘Crossing Frontiers: Medieval Visions of Modern Science’ International Research Network, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, NI SPACE, Belfast City Council, Visit Belfast, and the Irish Astronomical Association.  

INSAP 2025 promises to inspire new perspectives and collaborations in exploring humanity’s enduring connection to the cosmos.

Contact Email: insapxiii@gmail.com URL: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ael/Research/ConferencesandSymposia/INSAP2025/