The Society for Renaissance Studies (SRS), founded in 1967, provides a national, and international forum for all those - whether academics, independent scholars, postgraduates and undergraduates, school teachers and students, or members of the general public - who have an interest in any aspect of the study of the Renaissance. Our work covers political and social history, history of art, architecture, garden history, material culture, history of ideas, philosophy, science, technology, religion, music, English literature and the literatures and cultures of mainland Europe and of the countries in contact with Europe and the British Isles during the Renaissance period (broadly conceived). The Council of the Society is an elected body which meets three times a year to manage its activities. The Society’s AGM, to which members are warmly invited, takes place in London in early May.
What follows is a brief synopsis of SRS activities. More details are available elsewhere on the website.
Publications and International Links
Our internationally recognized journal, Renaissance Studies, is published five times a year by Wiley-Blackwell and is offered to members at a reduced subscription rate. Two issues of the Society’s Bulletin, free to members, are published in spring and autumn with information about new research, conferences, and exhibitions. An international conference is organized biennially and the international dimension is further fostered by links ranging from the British School at Rome to the Renaissance Society of America.
Funding and Prizes
The Society, as a registered Charity, offers financial support on a competitive basis to organizers of major conferences in the UK and Ireland and, separately, to organizers for the encouragement and support of postgraduates wishing to participate in their conferences. Three postdoctoral fellowships are awarded annually, two in open competition and one, the Rubinstein Fellowship, offered in memory of Nicolai Rubinstein to an outstanding candidate in Italian Renaissance history or culture. Travel awards are available for doctoral students enabling them to visit relevant libraries and archives in Britain or abroad. An SRS biennial book prize has been launched for award in 2012, as well as an undergraduate essay prize to match the schools’ essay prize.
Events and Activities
As well as the biennial conference, SRS supports a range of public lectures, including the one traditionally associated with the May AGM and the public events organized annually in venues around the UK and Ireland. Regional activities are also supported with designated representatives on Council for Ireland, Scotland and Wales. An important part of our work has been directed towards schools and there is an active concern with the place of the Renaissance in the national curriculum. The Society has also established links with Museums and Galleries.
The Society for Renaissance Studies is a registered Charity (Number 1025890)