Venue: Danish Institute for Advanced Study (DIAS), University of Southern Denmark (SDU), Odense
Date: 13-14 March 2026
Keynote Speakers:
- Professor Gregory Clark, University of Southern Denmark
- Professor Rasmus Landersø, Rockwool Foundation
Theme: Social Mobility – Why It Matters, What Drives It, and Whether We Can Change It
The Historical Economics and Development Group (HEDG) at SDU invites submissions for the 15th Annual Workshop on Growth, History, and Development. All are welcome, but junior faculty and graduate students are particularly encouraged to apply.
Is social mobility destiny or design? Does education still level the playing field, or just reshuffle the deck? Are societies today more open – or simply better at hiding inherited advantage?
This year’s workshop invites explorations of who rises, who stays put, and why. We welcome papers that challenge old certainties, expose uncomfortable truths, or rethink what fairness means in practice. Historical and contemporary perspectives alike are encouraged, whether using surnames, tax records, school data, or creative new sources to track the movement of people and fortunes across generations.
Please note that submissions on all topics relating to growth, history and development are welcome, but those exploring the theme of social mobility will be prioritized.
Prospective speakers should submit an extended abstract (max. 2000 words) that includes methodology and main results. This should be submitted to SDUeconhist@sdu.dk.
Deadline for submissions: 11 January 2026. Authors chosen to present will be notified by 16 January, and a preliminary program will be announced shortly thereafter.
The workshop is a two-day event. There is a registration fee of 850 DKK (ca. €110). Refreshments, lunch, and a dinner are provided.
More information about HEDG: http:/www.sdu.dk/hedg
Workshop organizers: Paul Sharp (pauls@sam.sdu.dk), Rasmus Emil Nyholm (rasmusen@sdu.dk)