Over 50 experts on history, technology, and AI will converge on the campus of OAU’s AUD II for the “Futures of History” conference.
The convergence of history, memory, and AI has taken centre stage at OAU’s international history conference, set to take place from Tuesday, 28 July, to Thursday, 30 July 2026. The event, themed “Futures of History,” promises to bring together some of the world’s leading scholars in a unique dialogue on the intersection of these three areas.
The Chief Host of the event is Professor Simeon Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of OAU. He will be joined by over 50 international and local experts, including academics, technologists, and historians. The conference will feature presentations, keynote speeches, and panel discussions on various topics, including the role of AI in historical research and the impact of emerging technologies on our understanding of the past.
The conference will also explore the concept of “futures of history,” which refers to the ways in which historians and scholars are reimagining the discipline to better reflect the complexities of the present. This includes experimenting with new methods, tools, and even mediums to tell the stories of the past.
AI’s Growing Role in Historical Research
The “Futures of History” conference comes at a time when AI is playing an increasingly significant role in historical research. AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and help historians piece together the fragments of the past. However, the use of AI also raises important questions about the nature of historical evidence and the role of human interpretation in the research process.
What this means for historians is a growing need to develop new skills and methodologies that can effectively integrate AI into their work. This includes learning to evaluate the reliability of AI-generated data and to use AI as a tool to augment, rather than replace, human judgment.
The Future of History: What’s at Stake?
The “Futures of History” conference is not just a gathering of experts, but a chance for scholars to explore the future of their discipline. As AI and other emerging technologies continue to shape our understanding of the past, historians must adapt and innovate to remain relevant.
The future of history is not just about preserving the past, but about using the lessons of history to inform our decisions about the future. By reimagining the discipline and embracing new technologies, historians can play a vital role in shaping a more informed and empathetic public.
A New Era for Historical Research
The “Futures of History” conference marks the beginning of a new era for historical research. As AI, memory, and history converge, scholars will have the opportunity to explore new ways of telling the stories of the past and to reimagine the very fabric of the discipline.
The future of history is uncertain, but one thing is clear: it will be shaped by the choices we make about how to use emerging technologies to preserve and understand the past. By joining the conversation, historians can help ensure that the future of history is one of innovation, creativity, and discovery.
