PHYSICAL CULTURES OF THE BODY VII

CALL FOR PAPERS
Conference Dates: January 7-8, 2027
Abstracts Due: November 16, 2026
Abstract Acceptance Notification: December 1, 2026

 As home to one of the world’s leading research groups dedicated to the study of physical culture, the H.J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports is proud to announce that the seventh annual Physical Cultures of the Body Conference. It will be a hybrid event – Day 1 (Thursday) will be virtual & Day 2 (Friday) will be face-to-face. Our focus remains on historical and other humanities-based approaches to the study of exercise, strength, sport training, strength athletes, competitive lifting, the healthful benefits of exercise, and all other aspects of what we call “physical culture” across the millennia. Our hope is that many of you will choose to present in person this year and perhaps also make time to use the Stark’s resources during a visit to Austin. We hope that by meeting together we can learn more about each other, discuss our work, create new collaborations, and help the field of PC studies continue to grow.

All are welcome. There is no charge for admission. Links to past conferences and recorded videos are below.

For questions, please email conference co-organizers:

Kim Beckwith – kim@starkcenter.org
Jan Todd – jan@starkcenter.org
Charles Stocking – charles.stocking@austin.utexas.edu

VISIT AUSTIN:

The University of Texas is in the heart of downtown Austin, making it a convenient vacation spot for academics. Looking south in this photo you can see the tall UT administration tower, the rotunda of the capital building, and the skyscrapers of Austin’s vital urban center. Come join us and see why people have made Austin one of America’s most popular destinations.

PAST CONFERENCES: