The Yale Digital Ethics Center (DEC) has officially opened applications for the inaugural Digital Ethics Center Symposium (DECS) 2026, inviting PhD students and postdoctoral scholars from around the world to submit original research on the ethical, legal, governance, and societal implications of digital technologies. The one-day international symposium will take place on October 16, 2026, at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, bringing together emerging scholars and leading experts to discuss the future of digital ethics and technology governance. Successful applicants will receive fully funded travel, accommodation, recognition through the DECS Best Paper Award, and the opportunity to collaborate with renowned philosopher Professor Luciano Floridi and researchers at the Yale Digital Ethics Center during the Spring 2027 semester. For researchers working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital governance, ethics, technology policy, philosophy, law, and society, this represents a prestigious international platform to showcase innovative research while building valuable academic collaborations. About the Yale Digital Ethics Center Symposium (DECS) The Digital Ethics Center Symposium (DECS) is a newly established international academic forum dedicated to examining the Governance, Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (GELSI) of digital technologies. The symposium has been designed specifically to support early-career researchers, creating opportunities for doctoral candidates and postdoctoral fellows to present original work, receive expert feedback, and engage with internationally recognized scholars. Each accepted paper will receive formal commentary from a member of the Digital Ethics Center, followed by an open scholarly discussion intended to strengthen the research and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Beyond academic debate, the symposium aims to encourage research capable of influencing public policy, regulatory frameworks, and governance models for rapidly evolving digital technologies. Benefits of the DECS 2026 Symposium Researchers selected to present at the symposium will receive a comprehensive package of academic and financial support, including: Fully funded round-trip travel to New Haven, Connecticut Two nights of accommodation The inaugural DECS Best Paper Award medal Opportunity to collaborate with Professor Luciano Floridi and Yale Digital Ethics Center researchers during Spring 2027 International exposure before experts in digital ethics and governance Professional feedback from Digital Ethics Center faculty Networking opportunities with scholars from around the world Perhaps even more attractive is that all high-quality submissions, including papers that are not selected for presentation, will still be considered for publication in a special issue of the academic journal Philosophy & Technology. This significantly expands the opportunity for applicants to gain scholarly recognition. Who Can Apply? Applications are open to: PhD students Postdoctoral researchers Applicants should be conducting research that explores the ethical, philosophical, legal, governance, or societal dimensions of digital transformation and emerging technologies. Relevant research areas may include: Artificial Intelligence ethics Algorithmic governance Responsible AI Digital human rights Data ethics Technology regulation Digital democracy Privacy Cyber ethics Platform governance Digital inclusion Technology and public policy Philosophy of technology Emerging technologies and society Researchers from all countries are encouraged to submit their work. Paper Eligibility Requirements Applicants should note the following submission requirements: Papers must be original work. Manuscripts must not have been formally published. Papers cannot be under review by another journal or conference. Papers must not already be committed for publication elsewhere. Preprints and working papers are permitted. Applicants must disclose if their manuscript is available as a preprint. Each applicant may submit only one paper as first author. Applicants may appear as co-authors on additional submissions. Required Application Documents Applicants must submit the following documents: 1. Short Curriculum Vitae The CV should: Be no longer than two pages Highlight relevant academic background Include research experience Be submitted as a PDF Recommended file format: LastName-FirstName-DECS.CV.pdf 2. Extended Abstract Applicants must also submit: An abstract of up to 2,000 words A PDF version of the document Recommended file format: LastName-FirstName-DECS.Abstract.pdf Application Process Applicants should email their complete application package to: dec@yale.edu Email subject: DECS 2026 Application Ensure all required documents are attached before submission. Important Dates Application Deadline: August 30, 2026 (11:59 PM Eastern Time) Notification of Successful Applicants: September 15, 2026 Digital Ethics Center Symposium: October 16, 2026 Venue: Kline Tower, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA Why This Symposium Matters As governments, companies, and international organizations grapple with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, questions surrounding ethics, governance, accountability, and human rights have become increasingly important. The Yale Digital Ethics Center Symposium provides early-career scholars with an exceptional opportunity to contribute to these global conversations while receiving mentorship from internationally respected researchers. The combination of fully funded participation, publication opportunities, expert feedback, and collaboration with Professor Luciano Floridi makes this one of the most attractive digital ethics research opportunities currently available to doctoral and postdoctoral researchers worldwide. Researchers interested in shaping the future of responsible technology governance are encouraged to prepare their submissions before the August deadline. How to Apply Interested applicants should prepare the required documents and submit their complete application by August 30, 2026 (11:59 PM ET) via email to dec@yale.edu using the subject line: DECS 2026 Application Applicants selected for presentation will be contacted by September 15, 2026. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) shares scholarships, fellowships, grants, jobs, internships, conferences, and academic opportunities for informational purposes only. GSO is not affiliated with Yale University, the Digital Ethics Center, or the organizers of the DECS 2026 Symposium and does not influence the selection process. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, deadlines, and submission procedures through the official announcement before applying. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW