The Rotman Institute of Philosophy is excited to announce the second annual Rotman Graduate Student Conference, taking place on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the University of Western Ontario, Canada. We are pleased to announce Philosopher, Dr. Lauren Ross (University of California, Irvine) and Professor of Bioengineering, Dr. Dani S. Bassett (University of Pennsylvania) as our keynote speakers.
This year’s conference theme is “Philosophical Issues in the Life Sciences.” We invite submissions addressing metaphysical, epistemological, and conceptual questions that arise within and across the life sciences. Graduate students working at the intersection of philosophy and empirical sciences are especially encouraged to apply.
Examples of topics may include but are not limited to:
- Causation and causal inference in the life sciences
- Modeling, explanation, and understanding in neuroscience, biology, and ecology
- The conceptual and methodological role of simulations in research practice
- Biases in conservation and their ethical, social, and epistemic implications
- The impact of genetic enhancement on autonomy
The deadline for submissions is January 15, 2026.
This will be a hybrid conference with in-person (WIRB 1170) or virtual (Zoom) attendance options available. Attendance is free, but for planning purposes, advance registration is required and must be completed prior to April 20, 2026.
Please direct any questions about your registration to rgsc@uwo.ca.
For information on submission and registration, see the conference website.