CFP: Rotman Graduate Student Conference 2026: Philosophical Issues in the Life Sciences

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. 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 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.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Philosophical Issues in the Life Sciences”, and will focus on the conceptual, epistemological, and metaphysical issues arising in biology, neuroscience, psychology, and related fields. We encourage graduate students to submit original papers or poster ideas that address important problems or are motivated by questions concerning the life sciences, broadly construed. 

Submissions are accepted through the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScW7rUwydHjTRxMy_7CmXZM83IiJhmXAtAHQjHiDlULXNEM1A/viewform

We invite submissions for both papers and posters addressing the conference theme. All submissions are due on January 15, 2026.  

Papers:  

• Maximum length of 5,000 words, including footnotes and appendices (but excluding references)

• If the paper includes tables, figures, or equations, an appropriate number of words should be subtracted from the limit

• Each paper should be accompanied by an abstract of no more than 300 words

• Papers must be prepared for anonymous review (i.e., the author’s name and identifying information should not appear in the file)

Posters:  

• Abstracts of no more than 300 words

• Poster submissions should also be prepared for anonymous review

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  

Authors of accepted papers will be allocated for a 45-minute session, consisting of approximately 30 minutes for presentation followed by 15 minutes for discussion.  

Authors of accepted posters are expected to design and print their posters in advance and display them during the conference at designated poster sessions. 

Please send any questions to the RGSC2026 Committee: [email protected]

Register for the conference here: https://uwo.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eDvGug8lGo2w3yK