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CDAS@20: 20 years of the Centre for Death & Society

We are hosting a series of events that demonstrate our expertise in death, dying and bereavement to celebrate our 20th anniversary.

The Centre for Death & Society (CDAS) is a world-leading, interdisciplinary death studies research centre and a global community of academics at all stage of their careers.

This year, to mark 20 years of being at the forefront of our field, we are hosting a packed schedule of events. We’d love you to celebrate with us.

Our events will reflect what has happened during CDAS's time, while also looking ahead towards the future. The year will culminate with the annual CDAS conference.

All events are open to anyone to attend. Some details (such as dates, times and locations) are not yet confirmed - please check this page regularly for updates.

March (Exploring death in Bath)

During March, we will reflect on the history of death in the city of Bath.

March

On 25 March 2025, join us for a 90-minute guided walk exploring the hidden histories of some of Bath's famous landmarks.

Co-written by CDAS Visiting Professor, Ruth Penfold-Mounce and Visting Fellow, Molly Conisbee, this walk shares Bath's lesser-known stories about death and crime. You can also attend a talk from the creators after the walk.

You'll need to sign up for both separately (you can attend both).

Flowers on a grave

The CDAS conference

The year of celebration will culminate with our annual CDAS conference on 12-13 June 2025. The conference theme is ‘Death in Transition’.

We welcome abstract submissions.

Submit an abstract
A mourner walking trough a graveyard

Past events

Catch up on events from the CDAS@20 year so far.

November 2024

On 13 November 2024, a panel discussed the experience and impact of ecological and environmental loss at our 'Ecological Loss and Grieving the non-human' talk.

On 19 November 2024, Dr Renske Visser and her co-author, the lead of Open Thanatology, Professor Erica Borgstrom, led an hour of candid conversation. They discussed their new book, the challenges they faced in writing it, and where they see the field of death studies heading.

September/October 2024

On 25 September 2024, CDAS directors past and present discussed the evolution of death studies over our 20-year history. With special appearances from Prof Tony Walter and Prof Allan Kellehear, this event (called 'CDAS@20 growing a community') reflects on key topics, themes and events in recent memory.

Watch a recording of this event

On 10 October 2024, panellists from across the globe explored the question of ‘which deaths count?’ and discussed how death is impacted by issues in social (in)justice.

Watch a recording of this event

Explore Visiting Fellowships at CDAS

If you're a researcher examining topics related to death and dying, then you can create a formal link with us.

A group of people smiling while stood on a staircase

If you’re ready to take the next step in your involvement with CDAS, consider applying for a Visiting Fellowship. You’ll benefit from:

  • CDAS support, including writing retreats and workshops (our most recent retreat focused on grant writing)
  • use of CDAS resources
  • funding opportunities
  • a CDAS mentor
  • access to the University of Bath library

Explore CDAS's research and news

Find out more

Contact us

If you have questions about any of our events, or wider CDAS research, please contact us.