Thematic Approach

GIRES, the Global Institute for Research Education & Scholarship revisits the connection between memory, identity and oral history for the 6th time since 2019.In  the intricate tapestry of human experience, the interwoven threads of collective memory, oral tradition and identity play a central role. The relationship between how societies remember their past and how individuals and groups construct their sense of self is a complex, multidimensional phenomenon that shapes cultures, influences behaviors, and impacts the course of history.

We hope we will explore  Collective Memory and Identity Construction and how collective memories are woven into the fabric of individual and group identities along with the analysis of Oral History as a Living Archive by delving into the power of oral history in preserving untold stories, marginalized voices, and the often-overlooked facets of identity. Similarly we wish to focus on the Narratives of Resistance and Empowerment and the interconnection between Identity, Trauma and Healing in order to examine how collective memory and oral history narratives have been utilized as tools of resistance, empowerment, and social change and can also serve as a medium for expressing and healing from collective traumas.  In addition, we hope to explore Intergenerational Transmission and Identity Continuity and investigate how oral history facilitates the passage of knowledge, values, and identity across generations. Lastly, we wish to explore the methods of preservation and the role of Technology in the supporting the Voices of Marginalized Communities focusing on the challenges and opportunities of digitizing and archiving oral history narratives while addressing the ethical considerations of representing identities and experiences through oral history and highlight the intersection of identity markers and the importance of capturing and preserving the stories of marginalized communities. Discussions will explore how intersectional identities shape narratives.

This conference proposal seeks to create a platform for scholars, practitioners, activists, and artists to delve into the profound intersections of collective memory, oral history, and identity and interconnected disciplines.

Proposed Topics 

-The Role of Collective Memory in Shaping Cultural Identity
-Ethnic Identity and the Influence of Shared Memory Narratives
-National Narratives and the Formation of Collective Identity
-Stories of Resistance: How Oral Narratives Challenge Dominant Discourses
-Empowerment Through Narration: Amplifying Marginalized Voices
-Oral History and Social Movements: Documenting Identity-Based Activism
-Liberation Narratives: How Collective Memory Fuels Struggles for Justice
-Healing Narratives: How Oral History Contributes to Trauma Recovery
-Memory as Therapy: The Cathartic Power of Sharing Traumatic Experiences
-Identity Reclamation: Using Oral Narratives to Transcend Trauma
-Remembering and Healing: The Role of Collective Memory in Post-Traumatic Growth
-Passing Down Stories: How Oral History Maintains Identity Across Generations
-The Role of Elders in Transmitting Cultural Identity Through Oral Narratives
-Navigating Change: How Intergenerational Dialogue Shapes Identity Dynamics
-Oral History in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities
-Accessible Narratives: How Technology Enhances the Dissemination of Collective Memory
-Ethical Considerations in Collecting and Sharing Oral Narratives
-Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Ensuring Authentic Representation in Narratives
-Identity Beyond Borders: Exploring Diaspora Narratives Through an Intersectional Lens

Proposed Formats (Lingua franca: English)
-Individual papers (GIRES will included it in a panel)
-Panels (up to 4 presentations-chaired by one of the presenters or appointed by GIRES)
-Roundtable presentations (chaired by one of the presenters or appointed by GIRES)
-Poster presentations
-Student presentations (one paper presented by up to 3 young scholars)
-Keynote speech (depending on the time availability)
-Pre-recorder presentation (s) (Asynchronous Platform)
-Pre-recorder presentation (s) (Synchronous-live- Sessions: live participation of presenter (s) during the Q&A sessions)

Publication Opportunity 
The Organizing Committee and GIRES Press will publish the most powerful and dynamic presentations of the conference and include them
in a collective volume in the form of short articles and/or long essays. For more information please contact us

Live Sessions Recording
All participants have the option to have their presentations recorded (during live sessions) in HD quality. The recordings will be uploaded to GIRES media for unlimited access and dissemination.

Asynchronous Options
All participants have the option to have their presentations (video/audio/text) uploaded to our Virtual Platform. All  registered participants will have access to the material for 5 days.

Our proposed topics & formats are not restrictive and we invite additional germane ideas
Due to the restrictions of Corona Crisis our event (for the time being) will take place VIRTUALLY