ARC Centre for Excellence in History of Emotions

The Centre will focus its research on the medieval–early modern period 1100–1800 under the themes of ‘Meanings’, ‘Change’, ‘Performance,’ and ‘Shaping the Modern’. The CHE will explore the ways emotions have shaped mental, physical and social wellbeing over time; provide an understanding of how emotional health can be improved in the modern Australian context; and invigorate our culture through performances in drama, opera and art.

The University of Melbourne is a major partner in the CHE, which will be housed at the University of Western Australia. The University of Melbourne will contribute approximately $1.7 million to the Centre. Professor Stephanie Trigg from the School of Culture and Communications and Professor Charles Zika from the School of Historical Studies are chief investigators, with Professor Trigg assuming leadership of the Shaping the Modern program.