What is Modern British Studies?
The Modern British Studies Association is a research network which offers a thriving, interdisciplinary space for debate and intellectual exchange in the history of British society, politics and culture.
Events
Our flagship event is the MBSA Annual Conference. We bring together scholars to share their latest research, forge new collegial connections, and celebrate the richness of our field. The conference moves across institutions, welcoming hosts from across higher education.
Summer 2026 saw MBSA's launch conference, The Polycrisis?, hosted at the University of Birmingham with the support of the British Academy.
In 2027 we are excited to be working with the Institute of Historical Research as they partner with the North American Conference on British Studies on the summer 2027 conference in London.
Image from the archive of the British Library: c12041-06 / Shelfmark: 8234.ff.2
Join the MBSA
MBSA is a membership organisation, and has a pending registration as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. If you are engaged in the study of modern British society, politics, or culture, then the MBSA is for you.
Membership is open to scholars engaged in the study of modern British society, politics and culture. Joining means becoming part of a growing network dedicated to supporting and advancing modern British Studies. We would love to have you with us.
Image from the archive of the British Library: 190.e.1, 21 / Shelfmark: 190.e.1
Awards & Prizes
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our inaugural prize for the best paper delivered by an Early Career Researcher at an MBS conference. Open to postgraduate students and those in temporary positions within six years of receiving their doctorate., the winner receives £200. In 2026, the prize was awarded to Dr Somak Biswas.
We are keen to grow our prizes programme. If you or your institution would be interested in sponsoring an award, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Image from the archive of the British Library: F60102-26