The EMS purposefully puts no dates to its remit: where the 'early modern' or 'renaissance' begun and ended is entirely dependent on geography and discipline, and subject to unresolved debate; moreover, the members of the cluster are as interested in methodological, disciplinary, and chronological fringes, as we are in the canonical and central areas of the early modern. 

The aim of the cluster is to draw together existing local cross-disciplinary activities at Bristol, organise social events, host internal and external speakers, support research initiatives, and advertise early-modern activity across the university and the city of Bristol. We also hope to strengthen connections with early modernists at neighbouring universities, especially within GW4.