The twenty-first annual conference of the British Society for Literature and Science will take place at the University of Strathclyde, on 9th-11th April 2026 (in person).
The BSLS invites proposals for twenty-minute papers, or panels of three papers, or roundtables, on any subjects within the field of literature (broadly defined to include theatre, film, and television) and science (including medicine and technology). The BSLS remains committed to supporting and showcasing work on all aspects of literature and science, including (but not limited to) animal studies, disability studies, the medical humanities, eco-criticism and the environmental humanities, science fiction studies, the blue humanities, and more.
Abstracts of no more than 200 words, together with the name and institutional affiliation of the speaker, should be submitted via this form. Proposals for panels should include a description of each paper. The closing date for submissions is Friday 12 December 2025.
Keynote talks will be given by:
Dr Zoë Lehmann Imfeld (University of Bern)
Dr Elsa Richardson (University of Strathclyde)
Registration details and costs will be available soon.
Conference bursaries: the conference fee will be waived for two PGR members in exchange for written reports on the conference, to be published in the BSLS Newsletter. If you are interested in being selected for one of these awards, please mention this when sending in your proposal. You must be registered for a PhD at the time of the conference.
The Centre for the Social History of Health and Healthcare at the University of Strathclyde is also pleased to offer a special bursary, waiving conference fees, for a PGR or ECR presenting on a medical humanities topic. If you are interested in being selected for this award, please mention this when sending in your proposal. This bursary is open to all PGRs and ECRs not in permanent employment.
About the Conference: the conference will be held at the University of Strathclyde. All talks, tea breaks, and lunches will take place in the University Technology & Innovation Centre (99 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD). The conference dinner will take place at the National Piping Centre, a short walk from the University. A drinks reception will be held on Thursday the 10th April at Glasgow’s City Chambers.
Membership: all conference delegates are required to be members of the BSLS in order to attend the conference (£26 waged/£11 unwaged): https://www.bsls.ac.uk/membership/join-us/. There will also be the opportunity to join or renew membership when you register for the conference. (Please note: you must only be a member to attend the conference in April; you do not need a membership to submit your abstract).
For further information and updates about the conference, please contact Jordan Kistler at bsls2026-conf@strath.ac.uk or visit the website: Conference – The British Society for Literature and Science (bsls.ac.uk).