Call for Papers: Open Source Data & the Trade of Cultural Objects
11 May 2023
A conference exploring the use of open source data to research the trade and transfer of cultural objects will be held at the UCL Institute of Archaeology in September for which a call for papers is announced.

Researching a Rigged Game: Open Source Data & the Trade of Cultural Objects
Interest in studying the (illicit) trade in cultural objects, as well as questions around ownership, access and protection, have grown in recent years. However, this interdisciplinary field requires a range of methodological skills in order to trace an object's ownership history and the social network underpinning its trade.
This conference aims to bring together a diverse group of researchers and professionals to explore methodological, ethical and disciplinary considerations in the use of open source data to research the trade and transfer of cultural objects. Speakers are welcomed with a wide range of expertise, methodologies, case studies and insights.
Call for papers - deadline extended to 15 July
Contributions can include, but are not limited to:
- New methods and tools for studying the trade and transfer of cultural objects
- Empirical case studies on ethical, methodological and disciplinary considerations
- Best practice examples of open source data use
- Challenges and considerations of working with open source data
Please submit your abstract (max 500 words) and a short biography (max 300 words) of the author(s) to Emiline.Smith@glasgow.ac.uk and Summer.Austin.20@ucl.ac.uk by 15 July 2023.
Accepted abstracts will be notified by 10 July 2023. There will be an opportunity for authors to submit their papers for a peer-reviewed Handbook, scheduled for publication in 2024.
Any enquiries may be directed to conference organiser, Summer Austin (Summer.Austin.20@ucl.ac.uk).