HEIRNET 2025 COLOGNE CONFERENCE
Wednesday 27th – Friday 29th August
The History Educators International Research Network [HEIRNET] hosts an annual conference which brings together colleagues from all around the world who are interested in history’s civilising, cultural, educational, moral, social, political and citizenship roles. HEIRNET is a small but friendly informal organisation and 2021 marks our 21st year of existence. This year we are delighted that the University of Cologne, in Germany is hosting HEIRNET 2025.
Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities, has a rich history dating back to its founding as a Roman colony in 50 AD. Over centuries, it grew into a medieval trade hub and a centre of learning, religion and culture. Its most iconic landmark, Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning Gothic masterpiece that dominates the city skyline. Its twin spires and intricate façade make it one of Germany’s most visited landmarks. Cologne has many attractions, including museums, street art and old buildings. The tourist office website provides a detailed overview. For further details, visit: https://www.cologne-tourism.com/arts-culture/museums or https://www.cologne-tourism.com/arts-culture/sights
As a city with a long tradition of education and scholarship, Cologne is the perfect setting for the HEIRNET Conference in August 2025. Home to the University of Cologne, one of the oldest universities in Europe, Cologne has long been a hub for academic research and discourse.
The city’s blend of historical architecture and modern infrastructure offer a stimulating and rich environment for the intellectual exchanges HEIRNET is famous for. With its welcoming atmosphere, rich heritage, and academic prominence, Cologne is the ideal location for discussing the future of teaching the past.
THIS YEAR’S THEME: HISTORY TEACHING AND HISTORICAL THINKING FOR COUNTERING CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES
HEIRNET prides itself on history education playing a crucial role in young people developing essential historical knowledge and understanding of the world they live in, learning whatever lessons it is that this knowledge can help teach them. Our 2025 conference theme reflects on how these might be taught and learned.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, increased globalisation and growing socio-political divides, history education faces significant challenges in remaining relevant and effective. Given that radical forces are gaining influence and using history and historical identity as a legitimate means of political coexistence, one could be sceptical about whether established approaches to history education developed in recent decades are sustainable for social action.
As societies wrestle with complex issues such as misinformation, climate change, identity politics and social inequality, we ask – can history education equip learners with the tools to critically engage with the past and understand its ongoing influence on the present or are new strategies needed to ensure that history becomes a lens through which we understand the present and build a better future? What answers can it provide, beyond the acquisition of professional skills, to define the peaceful coexistence of humanity as at least a goal? How can history education be made accessible to all students in our diverse societies? These questions are particularly urgent in light of the politicisation of history which often manifests itself in disputes over how topics such as colonialism, slavery or migration and inclusion are taught.
This year’s conference theme, “History teaching and historical thinking to counter contemporary challenges” invites those with an interest in how the past is communicated and taught to explore the intersections, connections and disconnections between history and the challenges of navigating today’s society. This year’s HEIRNET conference will address these issues from as plural a set of perspectives as possible. History educators in schools, universities, heritage, museum and other sectors are invited to submit proposals to contribute to these wide-ranging discussions
This year, The Thinking Historically for Canada’s Future (THFCF) project and the History Educators International Research Network (HEIRNET) are co-hosting a one-day pre-conference for international history educators to engage in dialogue about the past, present, and future of Peter Seixas’ “Big Six” model of historical thinking. The all-day pre-conference will include presentations and group discussions. To find out more, click here:
