Polnische Akademie der Wissenschaften - Wissenschaftliches Zentrum in Wien

"Cryptograms of Ingeborg Bachmann" Interdisciplinary Scientific Conference



Date of Conference : 13-14.06.2024

The abstract submission deadline is: 19.04.2024


Place: Polish Academy of Sciences - Scientific Centre in Vienna; Boerhaavegassse 25, 1030 Vienna



The conference marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Ingeborg Bachmann (in 2023). Bachmann's multi-voiced work has entered the canon of European literature, and her writings have exerted a tremendous influence on the cultural field in Austria and beyond. The conference's primary objective is to explore Bachmann's transformative work and discover new ways of interpretation. We are seeking papers that incorporate literary methods with an intertextual approach, in cultural,
philosophical, psychoanalytic, translation, and memory studies. We encourage a multifaceted approach, including the use of cryptograms and coded texts that challenge us to think about Bachmann's writing from novel perspectives. We also hope that the conference will enhance the relationship between researchers from different language areas.

Our repertoire of suggested topics includes but is not restricted to:


• Interdisciplinary perspectives: Bachmann readings and modern turns in the humanities;
• Literature and trauma: psychoanalysis and the work of Ingeborg Bachmann;
• Forms of attendance: presence of Bachmann's work in other cultural texts;
• A comparative perspective: Bachmann in the context of other languages;
• Translations of Bachmann's work;
• Bachmann's presence in cultural texts: art, film, music;
• Ingeborg Bachmann and multilingualism.

Time for talks will be limited to 20 minutes and can be given in German or English.


The organisers hope that all the speakers can attend in person. However, given the circumstances, some presentations could be delivered online. If needed, invited speakers will have their travel expenses reimbursed up to a sum of 150 EUR, and modest accommodation will be provided by the Polish Academy of Sciences – Scientific Centre in Vienna. Invited speakers secure their transport to/from Vienna on their own.


All are invited to submit a paper abstract (maximum 1000 words) by the 19th of April 2024. Selected speakers will be contacted by the 26th of April and will need to confirm their participation by the 6th of May 2024.



Abstracts should be sent by e-mail to: office@vienna.pan.pl
Please include your name and affiliation in the e-mail.
Selected speakers will need to submit a short bio.


If you have any questions relating to the conference, please contact Dr. Monika Gromala: monika.gromala@vienna.pan.pl

Contact Email
monika.gromala@vienna.pan.pl