Bridging Theory & Practice

Ethics & Innovation Forum

Glasgow, UK · 12–16 July 2026 · Scottish Event Campus (SEC)

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Free Public Event

Where Science Meets Society

Opening event featuring Nobel laureate Prof. Ardem Patapoutian

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Part of SynSci26

Interdisciplinary Dialogue

Connecting researchers, citizens, and policymakers across disciplines

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@Scottish Event Campus

Dates & Venue

SEC Armadillo & SEC Centre with selected University venues

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Glasgow & Nijmegen

Joint Initiative

University of Glasgow & Radboud University collaboration

Our Partners

About the Forum

Promoting ethical reflection and interdisciplinary dialogue on science, technology, and innovation.

Public Event

Free opening event featuring Nobel laureate Prof. Ardem Patapoutian and expert panel.

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Session Themes

Five interconnected themes exploring ethics in emerging technologies and innovation.

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Speakers

Leading voices in philosophy, ethics, public engagement, and responsible innovation.

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Key Dates

Abstract deadlines and conference registration details.

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SynSci26

Part of the larger multidisciplinary Synergy for Science conference.

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Ethics & Innovation at the heart of SynSci26

The Ethics and Innovation Forum brings ethical and philosophical perspectives to the forefront of scientific and technological development within the broader, multidisciplinary Synergy for Science conference.

About the Forum. A joint initiative of the University of Glasgow and Radboud University, the Ethics and Innovation Forum promotes ethical reflection and interdisciplinary dialogue on science, technology, and innovation. Working across disciplines—philosophy, ethics, public engagement, and research—the Forum seeks to bridge the gap between academic thinking and public discourse.

The Forum fosters relationships and conversations that attempt to make complex ethical issues accessible, inclusive, and socially relevant. Through events, workshops, publications and outreach, we connect researchers, citizens, and policymakers to explore how innovation can be guided by shared values, responsibility, and justice.

At a glance

📅 12–16 July 2026
📍 Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Glasgow, UK
🧭 Part of SynSci26 – Meeting for a Healthier Future
🎓 Joint initiative: University of Glasgow & Radboud University
💡 Themes: trust in science · bioethics · governance · emerging technologies · literacy
🎟️ Flexible registration: full event or 1-day passes available

Monday Public Event: Where Science & Innovation Meet Society

This special public event is free to attend and open to all.

Following the Sunday evening conference opening and Monday morning plenary with all participating societies, this Monday evening event focuses on the theme "Where Science & Innovation Meet Society" and will feature:

Keynote: Nobel Prize laureate Professor Ardem Patapoutian (Scripps Research), whose groundbreaking work on mechanosensation has profound implications for understanding how cells sense and respond to their environment
Panel Discussion: Leading figures in science communication, innovation ethics, and philosophy will explore the intersections between scientific progress and societal values

This event will take place at the SEC Armadillo, one of Glasgow's most iconic venues, on Monday evening, 14 July 2026.

Event Details

Date: Monday, 14 July 2026
Time: Evening session
Venue: SEC Armadillo
Cost: Free admission
Registration: Required

Session Themes

Our SynSci26 programme is organised around five interconnected themes that reflect the Forum's aim to bridge theory and practice, encouraging dialogue that makes ethics an active and creative force in shaping responsible innovation.

Science, Trust & the Common Good

Examines how confidence in science can be fostered amid uncertainty and misinformation, and how scientific knowledge serves the public interest.

Engineering a New Bioethics

Explores how advances in biotechnology—from synthetic biology to precision medicine—invite new ways of thinking about responsibility and human flourishing.

Ethics, Risk & Governance

Considers how ethical insight can inform regulatory and institutional responses to technological advances, balancing innovation with societal protection.

Emerging Ethics for Emerging Technologies

Addresses the ethical challenges and opportunities posed by rapidly evolving fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and data science, and the need for adaptive ethical frameworks.

Digital Literacy, Ethical Literacy, Civic Literacy

Explores the role of education and engagement in building inclusive, informed, and participatory technological futures. How do we equip citizens to engage meaningfully with complex technological and ethical questions?

Call for Contributions: We welcome abstracts for contributed talks and posters that engage with these themes from across disciplines, perspectives, and areas of practice.

Featured Speakers

Luca Consoli

Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands

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Ellen-Marie Forsberg

Østfold University of Applied Sciences, Norway

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Mike Hicks

University of Glasgow, UK

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Julian Kinderlerer

Emeritus Professor, University of Cape Town, South Africa

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Laurens Landeweerd

Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Website »

Denis Newman-Griffis

University of Sheffield, UK

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Hub Zwart

Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands

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Ciorsdaidh Watts

University of Glasgow, UK

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Lydia Bach

University of Glasgow, UK

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Part of Synergy for Science (SynSci26).

The Ethics & Innovation Forum is embedded in a larger multidisciplinary week spanning biophysics, physiology, mechanobiology, imaging, and engineering biology—amplifying networking, socials, and cross-disciplinary discovery.

Learn about SynSci26

Organising Committee

Ciorsdaidh Watts

University of Glasgow, UK

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Laurens Landeweerd

Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands

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Lydia Bach

University of Glasgow, UK

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Key Dates

Abstract Submissions

Oral presentations: 22 March 2026 (EXTENDED DATE)
Poster presentations: Remains open, but may close once the required number of posters has been reached. Early submission is recommended.

Submit an abstract

Conference Week

Ethics & Innovation Forum sessions run 12–16 July 2026 within SynSci26.

Opening Public Event: Monday, 14 July 2026 (evening)

Flexible registration available: full conference or single-day passes

Programme at a glance

Dates subject to the organiser's official announcements on the SynSci26 website.

Venue: Scottish Event Campus (SEC)

The SEC is Scotland's premier conference venue on the River Clyde—walkable to the West End and city centre.

Public Event: SEC Armadillo (Monday evening)
Forum Sessions: SEC Centre
Selected events at University of Glasgow and city venues

Explore the venue

Map approximate. Please refer to the SynSci26 site for logistics and travel details.