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.
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.
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.
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!)
