Please join the School of Humanities, University of Bristol, in celebrating Professor Benjamin Pohl's inaugural lecture.

Abstract

In Manuscripts, Monks, and the Merit of Incremental Knowledge, Professor Benjamin Pohl reflects on an academic career driven by curiosity, passion for detail, and a fascination for the unknown. Re-tracing his journey from his native Germany to the UK in pursuit of historical research on the Middle Ages and its manuscript culture, he discusses personal highlights and turning points in his path to a professorship. The discoveries presented in this inaugural lecture urge us to embrace the incremental way in which our knowledge about the past is generated through forensic detective work and skills that are built over time, allowing us to stand on the shoulders of giants.

Event specifics

Date: Wednesday 7 October 2026

Doors: 3:45 pm

Lecture: 4:00-5:00 pm

Welcome by Professor Martyn Powell, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

Laudatio by Professor Brendan Smith

Lecture by Professor Benjamin Pohl

Vote of thanks by Professor Robert Bickers

Drinks reception: 5:00-6:30 pm

Venue: B.H05 Lecture Theatre and Breakout Space, Arts Complex, University of Bristol. Entry via 7 Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1TB (link to Google Maps). The event will be signposted from the Main Entrance/ Reception.

Accessibility: Lifts and accessible W/Cs available (link to AccessAble).

Tickets: Whether attending in person or online, please register for a ticket. This applies to members of the University of Bristol as well as external guests.

Description supplied by the event organiser.