The Center for the History of Women Philosophers and Scientists warmly invites you to take part in a series of inspiring events this spring and summer. Starting from April 16, 2025, we offer a rich program of talks, workshops, and colloquia that spotlight women’s contributions to philosophy and science throughout history.

Here’s what’s coming up:

New Voices Talk Series: Women’s Ideas in the History of Medicine

As part of our ongoing commitment to amplifying emerging scholarly voices, the New Voices Series, organised by  Dr. Jil Muller, continues this spring/summer with focus on “Women’s Ideas in the History of Medicine,” exploring themes such as fertility, maternity, and reproductive autonomy. Talks include Shannon McHugh’s literary-historical analysis of motherhood and miscarriage in Renaissance Italian lyric poetry, Karine Durin’s study on bodily fluids and emotional dynamics in the work of Oliva Sabuco de Nantes, and Viktorya Vasilyan’s interdisciplinary research on breastfeeding in historical iconography and Armenian medical tradition. Further contributions by Martina Guzzetti on women’s wellbeing in Jane Sharp’s The Midwives’ Book.

These talks are open to all and held online — registration is available here.

Research Colloquium – Summer Term Highlights
Join us for presentations of exciting current research by scholars in the field:

The Research Colloquium at the Center for the History of Women Philosophers and Scientists, organized by Prof. Dr. Ruth E. Hagengruber, offers a vibrant platform for current philosophical inquiry with a focus on often-overlooked voices. This semester’s series features four compelling contributions: Dr. Michael Walshots (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz) presents pioneering research on Johanna Charlotte Unzer, highlighting her role as the first female German philosopher. Felix Grewe (Center for HWPS) explores Donna Haraway’s storytelling, tracing her knowledge innovations from the cyborg to companion species. Dr. Dr. Luka Boršić (Institute for Philosophy Zagreb) examines a striking case of proto-radical feminism in 16th-century Dubrovnik, focusing on Maruša Gundulić and Cvijeta Zuzorić. Finally, Dr. Jil Muller (Deputy Director, Center for HWPS) delves into a holistic philosophical anthropology, offering new perspectives on human nature and interconnectedness. Each session begins at 4 pm in room TP8.1.46 (Technologiepark 8, Paderborn), and all are warmly invited to join.

International Online Workshop: The Living Forces Debate across Europe (1686–1743)
June 5–6, 2025
This two-day online Workshop explores the foundational early modern dispute over the nature of motion, energy, and physical law, highlighting key figures such as Descartes, Leibniz, and Émilie Du Châtelet. Du Châtelet’s influential defense of the vis viva principle and her synthesis of Newtonian and Leibnizian ideas are central to the discussion. Organized by Dr. Pedro Pricladnitzky and Dr. Stefano Veneroni, the workshop brings together international scholars to critically reassess the historical and theoretical scope of this pivotal scientific debate.

If you want to register and receive the Zoom-Link, please click here.

Workshop: Women in the History of Medicine and Philosophy
June 18, 2025
The hybrid Workshop explores the contributions of women across medical and philosophical contexts, from early modern Europe to contemporary Africa. Presentations include research on figures such as Elza Kučera, Dorothea Erxleben, and Giulia Bonarelli, as well as current healthcare practices in Southeast Africa. Organized by Dr. Jil Muller (Paderborn University), the workshop highlights diverse perspectives on knowledge, care, and exclusion in historical and cultural contexts.

To participate please register via our registration platform: https://indico.uni-paderborn.de/event/115/registrations/143/

For detailed schedules, speaker information, visit our event page. We look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces!