Open Call to NLI Researchers for 'Twilight Talk' Proposals

These short presentations are intended to showcase the depth of scholarship, creativity and discovery emerging from registered readers' engagement with the library’s collections. 

The proposals are open to researchers from all ages and stages – third-level students, independent scholars, academics, artists, writers, genealogists, community researchers and anyone else whose work draws meaningfully from the library’s holdings. Whether your project is complete, in progress, or at an exciting early stage, this is an opportunity to highlight how NLI collections have informed, shaped, or transformed your research.

Content & Format

Twilight talks are strictly limited to 15 minutes, followed by a brief Q&A. 

They must be accessible, engaging and suitable for a general audience. 

Twilight talks should focus on research that makes use of (or is inspired by) NLI collections, including but not limited to:

• Genealogical and Heraldic collections
• Historic maps
• Manuscripts and archival collections
• Music collections
• Newspapers, periodicals, and ephemera
• Photographs, prints and drawings
• Rare and antiquarian books

We particularly encourage proposals that:

• Illuminate new or lesser-known aspects of the collections
• Demonstrate innovative methodologies or interdisciplinary approaches
• Highlight the impact of NLI resources on wider academic, creative, or community contexts
• Offer fresh insights into Irish history, culture, literature, society, or identity

How to Submit: 

Please send an expression of interest including:

• Your name and NLI Reader’s Ticket Number
• A proposed title
• A 150-200 word abstract outlining your research and its connection to NLI collections
• Any brief technical requirements, e.g. projector and screen for PowerPoint presentation
• Indication of which of the following Thursday evenings you would be available to deliver the talk (listing all that suit): 
  • 24 September 2026
  • 29 October 2026
  • 26 November 2026
  • 28 January 2027
  • 25 February 2027
  • 25 March 2027

Submissions should be emailed to learning@nli.ie by 23 August 2026.

If you are interested in participating and are not currently a registered reader, please register for free before submitting your talk proposal. 

Proposals will be reviewed for clarity, relevance, and alignment with the event’s aim of celebrating research grounded in the NLI’s collections.

Thanks to funding from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport’s “Dublin at Dusk” Scheme, an honorarium of €100 will be paid to each selected speaker. In certain circumstances, travel expenses may also be covered.