Feeling the Archive: Affect as Method in Feminist Queer Research

The two-day workshop, organised by Marie Lunau (Roskilde University), Rieke Schröder (University of Münster), and Sophia Zisakou (Lund University), invites participants to reflect on affect as a methodological orientation in feminist, queer, trans, decolonial, migration, disability and related research fields. The workshop aims to create a space for collective exchange on emotions as ways of doing research and to explore affective approaches to archives, knowledge production, and political practice. The format will include short presentations, discussions, collaborative writing sessions, and collective work toward a special issue proposal. Keynote lectures will be given by Athena Athanasiou and B Camminga.

We invite contributions that engage with questions such as:

• How can knowledge be imagined as a political and affective practice in times marked by anti-migratory, anti-queer, and anti-gender mobilisations?
• What can emotions do in research as relational forces shaping exclusion and resistance?
• How do we navigate the emotional terrain of working with archives and institutions that marginalise or defund critical methodologies?

Researchers at all career stages and from all relevant fields are warmly invited to apply. We particularly welcome contributions that are methodologically reflexive, experimental, and/or collaborative.

Submission details

• Abstract: max. 250 words
• Deadline: 30 April 2026
• Please send abstracts to: cigs uni-muenster de

Funding

Eight fully funded participant places (covering travel and accommodation) are available. Additional self-funded participants are welcome. The workshop will include 10–15 participants in total. If you would like to be considered for a funded place, please indicate this in your submission.

For questions, please contact Rieke Schröder (rieke.schroeder uni-muenster de).