After the keynote, Professor Guðmundur Hálfdanarson (University of Iceland) will engage in conversation with Professor Hilson. Please see the abstract below for further information about this exciting event (and stay tuned for further information about the opening ceremony and reception).

Abstract: Animal history has become a well-established and expanding field of enquiry, in the Nordic countries as elsewhere. Taking Denmark as the starting point, but drawing on examples from other Nordic countries as appropriate, I ask what studying animals – in particular farm animals – implies in the context of modern Nordic history. What new questions and perspectives might it offer on our understandings of Nordic modernity and the development of the modern Nordic welfare states?  What challenges does it present, for example methodologically and ethically? What does it mean for the disciplinary boundaries of our subject and the boundaries in and of the Nordic region? And why does it matter – how can historical studies of animals inform current debates about the future of agriculture and food systems?