Online Symposium: Speleology in Authoritarian Regimes

The International Union of Speleology UIS – History of Speleology Commission, in collaboration with the German Speleological Federation (VdHK), is organizing an online symposium titled “Speleology in Authoritarian Regimes” on Saturday 15th March 2025..

This event will explore the intersection of speleology (the study of caves and karst) and repressive government regimes, examining how authoritarian states have influenced and, in many cases, oppressed speleological activities and researchers.

This symposium is inspired by the legacy of Dr. Benno Wolf (1871-1943), a pioneering German speleologist whose life tragically ended due to the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime.

For more information read the first circular: https://www.vdhk.de/fileadmin/pdf/veranstaltung/2024/1_Symposium_Speleology_in_Authoritarian_Regimes_First_Circular.pdf