Earlier this month, SHOC members Rhea Mertes and William Torbeyns had the pleasure of representing VUB at the AHRC International Conference on Power and Possession at The Queen’s College, University of Oxford. As part of a VUB delegation led by Rik Vosters, they joined researchers from the AMGC, VISU and FOST research groups to present their PhD projects and exchange ideas with early career researchers from a wide range of disciplines.
Rhea shared her research on food in the late Middle Ages, focusing on food safety, urban regulations and the crucial role of smell in assessing the quality of fish.
William explored how unequal access to power and resources influenced people's opportunities for migration in the late medieval period.
The conference was an enriching experience, providing fresh perspectives, stimulating discussions and renewed inspiration for their ongoing research.