Conference & Annual General Meeting 2026
In conjunction with the Royal Canadian Navy and the
13th Royal Canadian Navy History Conference
25–27 June 2026 | CFB Esquimalt, British Columbia
Theme: Sea Power on the Pacific Rim: History, Heritage, and the Canadian Experience
Call for Papers
The Royal Canadian Navy, in partnership with the Canadian Nautical Research Society, invites proposals for the 13th RCN History Conference, to be held at CFB Esquimalt from 25–27 June 2026.
This year’s theme, Sea Power on the Pacific Rim: History, Heritage, and the Canadian Experience, highlights the rich and diverse maritime past of the Pacific region. We seek contributions that explore naval, maritime, and heritage dimensions of Pacific sea power, with particular attention to Canada’s role and experience.
Possible topics include:
• The RCN’s Pacific presence and operations from the 19th century to today.
• Canadian participation in Pacific conflicts, including the World Wars, Korea, and the Cold War.
• Indigenous maritime traditions and perspectives.
• Comparative studies of sea power across the Pacific Rim.
• Naval heritage, commemoration, and preservation.
• Proposals focused on other topics can also be submitted.
We welcome proposals from academics, students, naval personnel, independent scholars, and heritage practitioners.
• Individual papers: 300-word abstract + 150-word bio.
• Panels/roundtables: 500-word proposal + participant bios.
• Deadline for submissions: 15 January 2026
• Notifications: 15 February 2026
Student travel grants
Canadian students are encouraged to apply for the CNRS’s Gerry Panting Award for New Scholars to assist with expenses associated with traveling to the conference. Details for this award are available here.
Previous conferences
Conferences held during previous years