On 16 October 2026, the Digital Ethics Center at Yale University will host its inaugural Symposium (DECS), a one-day international gathering devoted to the governance, ethical, legal, and social implications (GELSI) of digital technologies. The symposium is designed to put early-career researchers at the centre of the conversation, in dialogue with established scholars.

We invite PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working on the ethical and human dimensions of digital transformation to submit a 2,000-word extended abstract together with a short CV. Up to six papers will be selected for presentation. Their authors will then be asked to send a full paper before the symposium, so that commentary on the day can be substantive. We particularly welcome work that can inform policy recommendations and shape governance frameworks across jurisdictions.

Authors of the selected papers receive the DECS Best Paper Award (a medal in recognition of the work) along with full travel support (round-trip transportation and two nights' accommodation in New Haven) and an invitation to collaborate with Prof. Luciano Floridi and DEC researchers during the spring 2027 semester. 

All high-quality submissions, whether or not chosen for presentation, will be considered for a special issue of Philosophy & Technology.

If your work fits, please apply, and please share this with colleagues whose work might. 

The full call and further information are available at https://dec.yale.edu/programs/digital-ethics-center-symposium-decs

Key details 

Date: 16 October 2026 

Venue: Kline Tower, Yale University, New Haven, CT 

Submission format: 2,000-word extended abstract and short CV 

Submissions and enquiries: dec@yale.edu 

Deadline: 30 August 2026