The Fan Studies Network

An interdisciplinary conference celebrating 50 years of adventures in time and space

Deadline for submission of abstracts: 1 September 2012
Conference dates: 3-5 September 2013
Venue: University of Hertfordshire

Keynote speakers will include:

James Chapman (author of Inside the Tardis: The Worlds of Doctor Who)
David Butler (editor of Time and Relative Dissertations in Space: Critical Perspectives on Doctor Who)
Matt Hills (author of Triumph of a Time Lord: Regenerating Doctor Who in the 21st Century)
David Lavery (editor of The Essential Cult Television Reader)
Lorna Jowett (author of Sex and the Slayer: A Gender Studies Primer for the Buffy Fan)

‘I’m a Time Lord. I’m not a human being. I walk in eternity.’

Since it first aired in the shadow of the assassination of John F. Kennedy on Saturday 23 November 1963, Doctor Who has become one of the most distinctive, powerful, varied, persistent and singular myths of the modern era. This quintessentially British television programme has developed a life far beyond the ‘one page of notes’ that was shown to its first producer, Verity Lambert, by BBC Head of Serials Donald Wilson and Head of Drama Sydney Newman.  Originally screened by the BBC from 1963 to 1989, Doctor Who was originally a cult favourite, notable for its low-budget special effects and its pioneering use of music.  In 2005 the series received a face-lift from executive producer, Russell T. Davies, and enjoyed a global resurgence winning the BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series in 2006 and five consecutive wins at the National Television Awards (2005-10) in the Drama category.  In 2011 Matt Smith was nominated for a BAFTA for his portrayal of the latest incarnation of the Doctor.  In short, Doctor Who, is a national and global phenomenon.

This conference will look at the Doctor Who phenomenon as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, bringing together figures who have worked on the show as well as journalists, writers and academics from a wide range of disciplines.

Proposals for 20 minute papers are now invited.
Papers will be considered on any Who-related themes. Abstracts of 300 words should be submitted by 1 September 2012 to

Steven Peacock:  S.Peacock@herts.ac.uk
Kim Akass:  K.Akass@herts.ac.uk

Tags: CFP, Conference, Doctor Who

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