Scientific research in World War II

25-26 January 2007 in Museum Boerhaave, Leiden

This two-day conference will seek to explore how scientists managed to cope with the particular circumstances created by the war. We invite historians working on World War II, science, and scientific instruments to give their views and to elaborate on the theme. For a further description: www.museumboerhaave.nl/conference.

The two days will discuss the countries engaged in World War II in contrasting manners.

I. Warfaring countries
Thursday 25th of January

Papers in this session will deal with the circumstances under which scientists worked in
War waging countries such as Germany, Japan, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and the United States, and the results of their research. Topics to be discussed are e.g. the service of scientists in weapon programs and strategic industries, or the immigration or emigration of many researchers.

II. Occupied countries
Friday 26th of January

Papers in this session will deal with the circumstances under which scientists worked in occupied countries, such as The Netherlands and France, and the results of their research. Talks could focus on topics such as the way scientists coped with scarcity of resources, the limited means of communication, or the often remarkable continuity in research conducted under apparently difficult circumstances.

Symposium fees: 100 Euro before 1ste of December 2006, 150 Euro after. A proposal for a talk can be submitted until 1st of November 2006. It should be accompanied by an abstract of 200-250 words.

Hans Hooijmaijers
Ad Maas

Museum Boerhaave