The Nordic PhD Network for the Study of Esotericism invites MA and PhD students in the Nordic countries to submit proposals for its third annual workshop, to be held at Malmö University on 26 November 2026.

The workshop aims to provide a supportive and interdisciplinary forum for emerging scholars working on topics related to esotericism, occultism, mysticism, alternative spiritualities, magic, alchemy, Theosophy, Anthroposophy, New Religious Movements, Western and non-Western esoteric traditions, and related fields. We especially welcome contributions that engage with innovative theoretical, methodological, and historical perspectives.

To promote discussion and exchange, accepted participants will be asked to give a brief introduction to their project on the day of the workshop, and to share 2,000-3,000 drafts of their projects ahead of the workshop, which will be read and discussed by the other participants and senior scholars.

The purpose of the workshop is to foster scholarly exchange, strengthen academic networks across the Nordic region, and offer doctoral researchers an opportunity to receive constructive feedback on work in progress.

Submission Guidelines

The workshop is open to PhD students, and MA students who are interested in developing a PhD proposal. Please submit:

• Title of presentation
• Abstract (250–300 words)
• Short biographical note (max. 100 words)
• Institutional affiliation

Submissions are evaluated by the organizing committee and should be sent to manon.hedenborg-white@mau.se by September 28. You will receive notice of the outcome by October 5. If your proposal is accepted, you will be asked to share your draft paper by November 12.

Practical Information

The workshop will take place at Malmö University on 26 November 2026. Participation is free of charge. Please note that we cannot cover participants’ travel or accommodation expenses. Further information regarding the venue, programme, and any available travel support will be circulated after acceptance.

We warmly encourage PhD researchers at all stages of their doctoral studies to participate and look forward to welcoming colleagues from across the Nordic region to Malmö.

Organizing committee

Manon Hedenborg White, Malmö University
Tiina Mahlamäki, University of Turku
Tim Rudbøg, University of Copenhagen

For questions and submissions, please contact:

Manon Hedenborg White
Department of Society, Culture and Identity
Malmö University
manon.hedenborg-white@mau.se

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Organized by the Nordic PhD Network for the Study of Esotericism in collaboration with the Department of Society, Culture and Identity, Malmö University; and the Scandinavian Network for the Academic Study of Western Esotericism (SNASWE).