Philosophy of Physics Graduate Workshop

CFA

On 13 April 2026, we will host a graduate conference on philosophy of physics at Balliol College at the University of Oxford. This comes in a series of philosophy of physics graduate conferences hosted by the BLOC (Bristol-London-Oxford-Cambridge) group.  Our conference will be  a supportive and casual setting to discuss works in progress with other graduate students. In hosting this conference, we hope to continue fostering the graduate philosophy of physics community.

We invite submissions from graduate students working in any area of the philosophy of physics, broadly construed. Topics may include (but are not limited to):

• Quantum mechanics

• Spacetime

• Statistical mechanics and thermodynamics

• Quantum field theory

• Astrophysics and cosmology

• The social epistemology of physics

Each talk will be followed by a commentary by a faculty member before the Q&A. 

Submission guidelines

To apply, please submit your title and abstract of up to 500 words (excluding references) to  this google form by 15 December 2025. We aim to notify speakers of our decisions by 15 January 2026.

Submissions should be suitable for a 30 minute presentation followed by 30 minutes of discussion. 

We especially welcome submissions from graduate students of traditionally excluded or marginalized communities and those studying at UK institutions.

Registration

If you plan to attend, kindly register here by 15 February. There will be no registration fee. We'll have space for ~25 participants and we will give priority to current graduate students. 

We will offer a two-course lunch to all participants, and we will cover dinner for all speakers. Particpants who are not presenting will also have the option to attend dinner if they so desire.