Digital Ethics Center Symposium (DECS)

The Digital Ethics Center will host the inaugural Digital Ethics Center Symposium (DECS) on October 16, 2026. This one-day international symposium will address the Governance, Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (GELSI) of digital technologies.

DECS is designed to support and showcase the work of early-career researchers. We invite PhD students and postdoctoral scholars, whose work examines the ethical and human dimensions of digital transformation. The symposium seeks to foster substantive dialogue between emerging and established scholars within a rigorous and collaborative intellectual forum.

Program schedule and hotel options are available at the bottom of this page.

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All high-quality submissions—whether or not selected for presentation—will be considered for publication in a special issue of

Philosophy & Technology

The program will feature peer-reviewed papers selected through a competitive international call for submissions. Each paper will receive considered commentary from a member of the Digital Ethics Center, followed by open discussion. The symposium particularly welcomes research that can inform policy recommendations and shape governance frameworks across jurisdictions. Selected presenters will be asked to submit their full paper ahead of the symposium so that commentary on the day can be substantive.

All selected presenters will receive the DECS Best Paper Award, a medal recognizing their work; a full travel support, including round-trip transportation and two nights of accommodation in New Haven; and an invitation to collaborate with Prof. Luciano Floridi and DEC researchers during the Spring 2027 semester.

Eligibility

Submissions must be original work that is not formally published, under review, or committed for publication elsewhere. Preprints and working papers are welcome. Applicants must disclose in their submission if the manuscript is currently available as a preprint.

Each applicant may submit only one paper as first author, although may be listed as co-authors on additional submissions.

Application deadline has been closed.
You will be contacted by September 15, 2026 about next steps if you are selected. 

Key Details

Symposium Date: Friday, October 16, 2026

Location: Kline Tower, Yale University in New Haven, CT 

Register to attend: https://yalesurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bfv1rtrWP8vtqXI

Where to stay:

We’ve reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate at Cambria Hotel for symposium guests. To get the rate, please book by Monday, September 21.

Book the symposium rate. Group code: BRWIDL

Looking for other options? The Yale Visitor Center keeps a current list of hotels near campus: Hotels near Yale →

Program Schedule (to be updated). Each session is moderated by Prof. Luciano Floridi.

  • 8:30–9:30 AM · Registration and breakfast 
  • 9:35–9:45 AM · Welcome, opening remarks, and introduction of first presenter 
  • 9:45–10:35 AM · Paper presentation I 
  • 10:40–11:30 AM · Paper presentation II 
  • 11:30–12:00 PM · Coffee break (30 mins) 
  • 12:05–12:55 PM · Paper presentation III 
  • 12:55–1:55 PM · Lunch 
  • 2:00–2:50 PM · Paper presentation IV 
  • 2:55–3:45 PM· Paper presentation V 
  • 3:45–4:15 PM · Coffee break (30 mins) 
  • 4:20–5:10 PM · Paper presentation VI 
  • 5:15–6:00 PM· Closing panel — all six presenters 
  • 6:00–6:25 PM· Award ceremony and closing 
  • 6:25–8:30 PM· Reception