The Young Forum Thomas Mann, part of the German Thomas Mann Society, is a network of literary scholars and researchers from related disciplines who are in the early stages of their academic careers and engage with Thomas Mann’s life and work. In addition to regular exchanges, the forum organizes conferences, discussions, and joint publications.
As part of the major Thomas Mann anniversary year 2025—marking his 150th birthday and 70th death anniversary—the Young Forum Thomas Mann invites participants to a workshop on May 10, 2025. The event follows the concept of an "open forum": academic papers on Thomas Mann’s life and work can be presented and discussed, regardless of thematic, methodological, or disciplinary approach. Additionally, exhibitions, books, films, art projects, and other initiatives related to Thomas Mann and his family may also be presented. Each presentation will be allotted a maximum of 25 minutes, followed by a 20-minute discussion.
We welcome submissions from scholars at all academic stages—from undergraduate and master's students to postdoctoral researchers—as well as individuals outside academia who are working on Thomas Mann’s life and work. The Open Forum does not require fully developed research papers or finalized results. Instead, early-stage projects and work-in-progress contributions are particularly encouraged.
The Open Forum will take place as a virtual conference. International contributions are highly welcome.
Please submit a brief abstract (max. 1 page) outlining your project along with a short biographical and bibliographical sketch by March 3, 2025, to the coordination team of the Young Forum Thomas Mann (Jan Hurta, Marie Limbourg, Michael Navratil, Roman Seebeck) at: info@junges-forum-thomas-mann.de