The Many Forms of the Humanities

The production and circulation of knowledge in the humanities and social sciences are expanding into new territories: hybrid forms of writing, collaborative annotation, multimedia platforms, artificial intelligence and emerging media. Following the lifecycle of research—from writing to publication and public dissemination—this event maps this evolving landscape and brings together different perspectives on the profound transformations currently reshaping the field.

How do we write research in a world saturated with narratives? Through which channels is it published and made visible? What becomes of scientific authority and public dialogue in an increasingly fragmented, algorithm-driven media environment? What ethical and technical challenges arise from new tools for producing and disseminating research? Ultimately, how are the humanities and social sciences redefining the ways knowledge is created, circulated and shared?

Structured around four themes—Creating, Publishing, Disseminating and Engaging—the FMSH Grand Format 2026 brings together researchers, publishers, creators, knowledge mediation professionals and cultural practitioners to discuss the major transformations currently affecting the humanities and social sciences. Conversations, film screenings, a photography exhibition and book presentations will punctuate this day, conceived as a space for reflection, discovery and dialogue.

The event will conclude with the official launch of the 54 Poche collection, presenting its first four titles featuring works by Fernand Braudel, Max Horkheimer, Paul Virilio and Achille Stocchi.

9:00 am | Welcoming

9:30 am – 11:30 am

Conversation | Writing differently, researching differently?

For decades, the humanities have experimented with alternative forms of scholarly expression: film, graphic novels, theatre, augmented and interactive writing, and hybrid practices combining research and artistic creation. Moving from one medium to another is far more than a simple change of format. These developments raise fundamental questions about the very nature of scholarly knowledge. Do these alternative forms enrich research and open it to new audiences, or do they redefine scholarly practice itself? Where do tensions emerge between academic rigour, experimentation and creativity?

Speakers:
Séverine Leroy (Theatre Studies – Catholic University of the West)
Sylvain Venayre (History – University of Alpes Grenoble)
Nicolas Sauret (Information and Communication Sciences – University of Paris 8)

Moderator: Émilie Balteau (Sociologist and film director, Cirec)

Interlude

A thirty-minute opportunity to browse a selection of books presented by our partner bookseller, discuss titles recommended by the speakers, and explore listening and viewing stations featuring a curated selection of audio and film documentaries.

11:45 am – 1:00 pm

Carte blanche | Authors, Publishers and Readers in the Humanities and Social Sciences

Publishing does more than disseminate scholarly work—it shapes its legitimacy, visibility and circulation within both national and international public spheres. Between university presses and trade publishers, internationalisation and new readerships, which actors and networks structure today's circulation of knowledge in the humanities and social sciences? How does a major publishing house develop its editorial strategy, promote its catalogue and position itself within the contemporary landscape of ideas?

A carte blanche session with Sophie Kucoyanis, Secretary General for the Humanities at Gallimard
Moderator: Maria Vlachou (Director of Éditions de la MSH)

Interlude

Students from the Master's programme Politics and Mediation of the Humanities and Social Sciences (Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne) will present a selection of books related to the day's themes.

_ _ _
 

1:00 pm | Lunch break

_ _ _

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Conversation | What Is Artificial Intelligence Doing to the Humanities?

Artificial intelligence is transforming the ways knowledge is accessed, translated, written and circulated. Yet behind its apparent simplicity and promises of efficiency lie major challenges: technological sovereignty, algorithmic bias, content standardisation, AI hallucinations and linguistic simplification. How is humanities and social science research being reshaped by the rapid and largely unregulated adoption of AI? Between conscientious objection, critical appropriation and creative experimentation, how are researchers positioning themselves in relation to these technologies?

Speakers:
Valérie Beaudouin (Sociologist – EHESS)
Thomas Parisot (Deputy Director, Cairn)
Marie van Effenterre (Translator, Association for Translation in the Social Sciences)

Moderator: Anne Madelain (Historian, INALCO)

Interlude

Screening of The Book of Flowers by Agnieszka Polska.

_ _ _


4:00 pm | Break

_ _ _

4:15 pm – 6:15 pm

Conversation | Communicating the Humanities in a Fragmented Media and Political Landscape

The circulation of knowledge in the humanities and social sciences now takes place within an environment shaped by political polarisation, misinformation and increasing competition for public attention. The conditions for dialogue between research and society have profoundly changed. How can scholars make their voices heard without oversimplifying their work? How can reliable knowledge reach wider audiences? How can we understand the appeal of fake news and conspiracy theories? Finally, in the face of growing attacks on the academic community, what responsibilities should researchers assume in public debate?

Speakers:
Ulysse Baratin (Director, Scène de recherche Paris-Saclay)
Sylvain Delouvée (Social psychology – University of Rennes 2)
Stéphanie Ruphy (Philosophy – University of Paris Cité)

Moderators: Zara Fournier and François-Ronan Dubuis (Institut français)

Interlude

Dance improvisation performed by students from the Conservatoire de Paris.

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

« 54 in Your Pocket »

To celebrate its first anniversary and the publication of new titles, the 54 Poche collection continues to expand its intellectual geography: a home for landmark texts by major thinkers as well as for original contemporary works. Alongside its interdisciplinary spirit and distinctive critical apparatus, the collection is accompanied by a photographic exhibition by Sophie Virilio, exploring the origins and legacy of Bunker Archaeology.

Presentation of the 2025–2026 titles:

• L’histoire, mesure du monde, Fernand Braudel
• Du préjugé, Max Horkheimer
• Bunker Archéologie, Paul Virilio
• La vie dans le vide, Achille Stocchi

Speakers: 
Sophie Virilio (Photographer and novelist)
Peter Geimer (Director, German Centre for Art History in Paris)
Achille Stocchi (Director, Laboratory of Physics of the Two Infinities, Saclay)
Christian Joschke (Lecturer, École des Beaux-Arts de Paris)

Moderator: Juliette Cerf (Journalist, Télérama)