OXFORD CONFERENCE: Dynamic Symmetry Across Scales
Hilary Term 2027
Dynamic Symmetry Across Scales is a hybrid conference at the University of Oxford, convened in partnership between The Schweitzer Institute and OXQ: The Oxford Quarterly Journal of Symmetry & Asymmetry. It follows directly from the Royal Society seminar Edge of Chaos: Exploring Dynamic Symmetry Theory and the Science of Complexity, held in London on 15 May 2026.
For further information, click on the 'Oxford University Conference' link.
NOVEMBER 2026 CONFERENCE: Acts of Omission: Assessing 20 Years of the Animal Welfare Act 2006
Cambridge University - 20th November
The Schweitzer Institute is pleased to be partnering once again with the Centre for Animals & Social Justice (CASJ) for our forthcoming conference, Acts of Omission: Assessing 20 Years of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The event will explore the legacy of this significant juncture in the evolution of human relationships with other animals in the UK, in the context of other areas of animal-related governance such as animal experimentation regulation, policies affecting wild animals and governance in the devolved nations.
Click on the 'Cambridge University Conference' link above to find out more and for instructions for free registration.
MAY CONFERENCE: Edge of Chaos: Exploring Dynamic Symmetry Theory and the Science of Complexity
The Royal Society, London – 15 May 2026
On 15 May, The Schweitzer Institute and The Oxford Quarterly Journal of Symmetry & Asymmetry (OXQ) co-hosted a conference at the Royal Society in London: “Edge of Chaos: Exploring Dynamic Symmetry Theory and the Science of Complexity” explored how many important systems – from ecosystems and economies to cities, hospitals, and individual lives – function most effectively not in strict order or in complete disorder, but in the controlled middle ground between the two.
For further information, click on 'The Royal Society' link.
APRIL CONFERENCE: Governmental Animal Protection Commission
Westminster - 21 April 2026
Over the past year, the Schweitzer Institute has been working with the CASJ developing a Cambridge-based platform to establish the philosophical and legal foundations for a Governmental Animal Protection Commission (APC). The next step is to convene a series of hybrid-format seminars in Parliament. These meetings are designed to engage policymakers directly, demonstrate cross‑party support for improved animal protection governance, and prepare the ground for future legislative drafting.
The first Schweitzer Institute/CASJ parliamentary conference, titled 'Draft proposal for a Government Animal Protection Commission - Exploring a framework to secure due regard for animal welfare’, was co-hosted with Adrian Ramsay MP. It took place at Westminster on Tuesday 21 April 2026. For further information, click on the 'Westminster' link.
NOVEMBER 2025 CONFERENCE: 'Promoting Responsible Governance of Animal Protection: Policy Reform for an Ethical Future'
Cambridge University - 21st November
The Schweitzer Institute was pleased to partner with the Centre for Animals & Social Justice (CASJ) for our Michaelmas Term conference, ‘Promoting Responsible Governance of Animal Protection: Policy Reform for an Ethical Future’. The event took place at the Faculty of Divinity on Friday, 21 November 2025.
Videos of the talks can be accessed here