iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH) @mothbielefeld.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

This winter semester, “Denkraum Theorie,” led by @lisaregazzoni.bsky.social and hosted by @zthf.bsky.social at Bielefeld University, will explore Material-Relational Ontologies and Historical Thinking. Open to students and doctoral researchers, with discussions in German and English. Join us!

German-language poster for Bielefeld University’s winter 2026/27 “Denkraum Theorie” study group on Material-Relational Ontologies and Historical Thinking. Sessions take place in room X-A2-103 on 16 and 30 October, 13 November, and 11 December 2026, and 22 January 2027. Registration is via eKVV.

053

Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH) @mothbielefeld.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

One week to go! The full program is now available for our exploratory workshop, "Towards a Material-Oriented Theory of History: Rethinking the Ontology of History, organized", organized by @lisaregazzoni.bsky.social as part of the @volkswagenstiftung.de-funded MOTH Project. 📄 Full program below

Poster for the exploratory workshop "Towards a Material-Oriented Theory of History: An Exploratory Workshop on Rethinking the Ontology of History," taking place 9–10 July at Bielefeld University. The poster features a mint-green background with bold black typography and a large abstract dark-brown illustration of a tilted stone or archaeological object. Organizer: Lisa Regazzoni, Professor of Theory of History. Supported by Bielefeld University, VolkswagenStiftung, and the MOTH project.

First page of the program for the exploratory workshop "Towards a Material-Oriented Theory of History: An Exploratory Workshop on Rethinking the Ontology of History," organized by Lisa Regazzoni at Bielefeld University on 9–10 July. The schedule for Thursday, 9 July begins with welcome coffee, followed by talks by Lisa Regazzoni, Friedrich Steinle, Klaus Mecke, Sina Steglich, Laura Candiotto, and Meinard Kuhlmann, with comments by invited discussants.

Second page of the program for the exploratory workshop "Towards a Material-Oriented Theory of History," showing the schedule for Friday, 10 July at Bielefeld University. The day includes presentations by Arianna Borrelli, Shahzad Bashir, Emanuel Bertrand, Julien Tempone-Wiltshire, Stefan Haas, Christopher A. Fuchs, Lisa Regazzoni, and Boaz Paz, with coffee breaks, lunch, and concluding remarks.

032

Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH) @mothbielefeld.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

On 9–10 July, @lisaregazzoni.bsky.social and MOTH, our @volkswagenstiftung.de funded project, will host a workshop at Bielefeld University on how physics, quantum mechanics, and new materialism can inspire new approaches to historical knowledge. Join us! Registration: karen.gamm@uni-bielefeld.de

Poster for an academic workshop titled “Towards a Material-Oriented Theory of History: An Exploratory Workshop on Rethinking the Ontology of History.” The poster has a turquoise background with large black text and a dark abstract illustration resembling a rock, mineral, or material object occupying the right half of the design.

The workshop takes place on 9–10 July at Bielefeld University, Building X, and is led by Prof. Dr. Lisa Regazzoni. Sessions are scheduled for 9 July, 14:00–18:00 (Room B2-103) and 10 July, 09:00–18:00 (Room A2-103). Registration and inquiries can be directed to karen.gamm@uni-bielefeld.de.

At the bottom are the logos of Bielefeld University, VolkswagenStiftung, and MOTH.

093

Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH) @mothbielefeld.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

We’re pleased to share that Universität Bielefeld is launching the new MA program: Bilder, Medien, Materialität: Historische Perspektiven. MOTH researchers Lisa Regazzoni and Noa Ranzer contribute to its research-oriented curriculum. Learn more at the info session: 11 June 16:00-18:00 X-E0-205

020

Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH) @mothbielefeld.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

An engaging first day at the “The Matter of Time” workshop at Bielefeld University with colleagues from the @zthf.bsky.social and Wesleyan University. In which we presented our @volkswagenstiftung.de funded project and engaged with discussions on #materiality, #physics, and #historicalresearch.

Boaz Paz presenting at the workshop “Matter of Time,” where we shared insights into the research work and lab analysis we have been carrying out in our project, with the aim of developing new questions regarding materiality and historical research.

030

Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH) @mothbielefeld.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

As the workshop “The Matter of Time” approaches, we are pleased to present the panel “Towards a Material-Oriented Theory of History.” Bringing together Lisa Regazzoni, Boaz Paz and Noa Ranzer, the session explores new approaches to materiality in historical research. 📍 26 May, 09:15 | X-A2-103

Poster of the workshop “The Matter of Time: Materiality and Time in Historical Research” held at Bielefeld University on the 26-27 May.

000

Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH) @mothbielefeld.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

What if historical objects are not simply “there” to be described, but emerge relationally through the practices by which we engage them? This week, we explored TOOC Object No. 016, reflecting on war, memory, and family histories through #materiality and epistemic practices. @volkswagenstiftung.de

The MOTH team gathered at the Theory Oriented Object Laboratory (TOOL) at Universität Bielefeld, inquiring together TOOC Object No. 016—reflecting on war, memory, and family histories through materiality, cataloguing, and epistemic practices.

011

Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH) @mothbielefeld.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

To mark the start of the semester, the MOTH team gathered to reflect on materiality through hands-on work with a ceramic object. Guided by Noa Ranzer, we explored how different practices shape the way we see, inquire, and understand traces of the past and their transformations. #TheoryOfHistory

142

Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH) @mothbielefeld.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Spring marked the start of MOTH at Bielefeld University (funded by @volkswagenstiftung.de). Led by @lisaregazzoni.bsky.social, we explored material analysis as a way to rethink the study of the past and connect the natural sciences with the humanities. A first step in a four-year journey.

Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH) team retreat at Bielefeld University, funded by the Volkswagen Stiftung.

0113

Towards a Material Oriented Theory of History (MOTH) @mothbielefeld.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

A new research project at Bielefeld University, funded by the @volkswagenstiftung.de, has officially launched. Led by Professor @lisaregazzoni.bsky.social, the project develops a Material-Oriented Theory of History (MOTH), exploring how matter and materiality can reshape approaches to the past.

0204