ANNUAL CONFERENCES

There are two major Byron conferences held each year:

The Newstead Abbey Byron Conference.

Originally founded by the Newstead Abbey Byron Society, and now organised by the Byron Society, the Newstead Abbey Byron Conference takes place every year over the last weekend in April, in the gorgeous environs of Byron’s former home – Newstead Abbey.

25-26 April, 2026: BYRON AND IDENTITY CFP Here: Newstead Abbey Call For Papers 2026

Full conference programme coming in early 2026.

International Byron Conference

Organised under the aegis of the International Association of Byron Societyes (IABS), the International Byron Conference takes place in a different country every year.

International Association of Byron Societies Conference

Keele University, UK (20^th – 24^th July 2026)

CALL FOR PAPERS

‘Every thing by turns and nothing long’

Byron’s own character diagnosis, reported by Lady Blessington, suggests his oft-remarked protean nature. But was this an accurate assessment of Byron and the Byronic? How changeable was Byron? How did he approach movement and change, and adapt to new circumstances? What features remain constants in his life and work? The conference organisers invite papers that explore any aspect of Byron’s engagement with themes of change and constancy, transience and permanence. Topics that might be considered include:

Travel, Place, and Environment

Time and Memory

Novelty, Trends, and Fashions

Contrariety

Identity and Belonging

National, Political, and Cultural Affiliation

Love, Friendship, and Sexuality

Ages and Stages

Birth and Death

Literary Forms and Traditions

Spontaneity and Mobility

Constancy and Faithfulness

Betrayal

Poetic Experimentation

Moods and Emotions

Appearance and Self-Image

Reading Habits and Preferences

New Science and Technology

Plenary Speakers: Dr Gavin Hopps (St Andrews), Prof. Piya Pal-Lapinski (Bowling Green State), Dr Alan Rawes (Manchester)

Academic Committee: Dr Madeleine Callaghan, Dr Peter Francev, Dr Mirka Horova, Prof. Jonathan Sachs, Prof. Diego Saglia, Prof. Maria Schoina, Prof. Jonathon Shears.

Conference Committee: Jonathon Shears, Sharon Faulke, Lily Martin.

Abstracts of approx. 300 words should be sent to the Academic Committee at conferencebyron2026@keele.ac.uk by 22^nd January 2026. Please include your name, title and academic affiliation. Direct any enquiries to Jonathon Shears at the same email address. The Committee welcome proposals for panels on any aspect of the conference theme. The Committee will provide confirmation of acceptance of papers by 6^th February 2026.

16TH INTERNATIONAL STUDENT BYRON CONFERENCE