The Whedon Studies Association extends its deep gratitude to Kingston University for hosting our seventh biennial Slayage Conference (affectionately dubbed Euroslayage), the first gathering in England, scheduled 7-10 July 2016.

Welcome from the Vice Chancellor

Picture of Julius Weinberg
Julius Weinberg, Vice Chancellor
As Vice Chancellor I am pleased to welcome the Whedon Studies Association and the 7th biennial Slayage Conference on the Whedonverses to Kingston University. As this is the first Slayage to be held outside North America, I’m delighted that the membership selected to hold it here with us at Kingston, and given Whedon’s long-time association with Great Britain (and love of English characters), it seems fitting the first European Slayage Conference should take place in the UK. Kingston University is one of the most diverse Universities in the UK both in its students and the range of subjects it teaches. We are both locally focussed, and international in nature, for example one of the top five fashion schools in the world.

Our aim at Kingston is to inspire young minds, and to drive forward understanding of our disciplines through encouraging new research and fostering interdisciplinary discussion and debate. This makes this collaboration between Kingston and Slayage all the more fitting, the WSA having been at the forefront of contemporary American television studies since its inception. I am sure you will find the university, and the town of Kingston upon Thames, to be a great place to meet, to share ideas, and to enjoy good food, great culture, and – so I am told – the occasional sing-along. Our staff will do all they can to make you feel comfortable and at home, so you can focus on the important things. We look forward to seeing you in July 2016.