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).
Keynote talks will be given by:
- Dr Zoë Lehmann Imfeld (University of Bern)
- Dr Elsa Richardson (University of Strathclyde)
- Sam Lee (samleesong.co.uk)
The final programme is available here.
After the close of the conference on Saturday, you will have the opportunity to join us for a two-hour guided tour of the nearby Glasgow Necropolis! Guided by the Necropolis’ Sculpture & Cemetary Historian, the tour will be focused on those who worked in the fields of science, medicine and technology. You can register for the tour when you register for the conference.
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.
Getting to the conference: The University of Strathclyde is located in the city centre of Glasgow, a short walk from both Glasgow Central Station and Glasgow Queen Street Station. The Glasgow Airport is a 20-minute taxi ride from the city centre; this fare will be approximately £30. Trams from the Edinburgh Airport connect with Edinburgh Haymarket Station; trains from Haymarket run to Glasgow Queen Street. Please remember that if you are travelling to the UK from abroad, you may need an ETA to enter the country.
Staying in Glasgow: There are many hotels at all different price points in the centre of Glasgow. The nearest hotel to the conference venue is the George Square Premier Inn. Other hotels within a few blocks include: The Moxy Glasgow Merchant City, the Babbity Bowster, Revolver Hotel, AC Hotel Glasgow, Millennium Hotel Glasgow, The Social Hub Glasgow, and the Fraser Suites.
Located in the Merchant City district of Glasgow, the University is surrounded by a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars.
The nearest subway stop to the University is Buchanan Street. While all conference events are within walking distance of each other, the subway is very useful if you wish to visit the West End of the city. Jordan particularly recommends Dakhin, Paesano Pizza, Café Gandolfi, Singl-End, Santa Lucia, Sugo Pasta, and Bibimbap.
Useful links:
- For general information about visiting Glasgow: https://www.visitglasgow.com/
- For taxis: GlasGo Cabs
- For general travel planning and information, TravelLineScotland: https://www.travelinescotland.com (they also have an app)
- For train updates while you’re travelling: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk
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).
Contacts and social media
- General enquiries: bsls2026-conf@strath.ac.uk
- Conference organiser: Jordan Kistler (Jordan.kistler@strath.ac.uk)
- BSLS membership secretary: Louise Benson James (louise.bensonjames@ugent.be)
- Twitter/Bluesky: @TheBSLS / @thebsls.bsky.social
- If you’re posting, please also use: #BSLS2026
Things to do in Glasgow:
A number of visitor attractions are within walking distance of the University, including Glasgow Necropolis, Glasgow Cathedral, the Friends of Glasgow Royal Infirmary Museum, St Mungo’s Museum of Religious Life and Art, Glasgow Green, and the Gallery of Modern Art.
Interested in going further afield?
Glasgow is home to a wide range of fantastic museums. Some favourites are the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, the House for an Art Lover, the Burrell Collection, and the Tenement House.
Glasgow was the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music. See what’s on while you’ll be visiting.
For outdoors activities, try the Botanic Gardens and Kelvingrove Park in the West End, or Pollok Country Park in the Southside (and see the highland cows!)
