Call for Debates
ICSR 2026 invites the community to participate in a series of live debates, which will take place in the Debate Room (Senate Room) during the conference. These debates will bring together researchers, practitioners, artists, designers, engineers, technologists, and students to critically explore pressing issues emerging in social robotics.
The debate series aims to spark open, critical, and interdisciplinary dialogue on the questions shaping the future of social robots in society and culture. Debates may focus on conceptual, ethical, scientific, artistic, practical, or societal dimensions of the field. We welcome both traditional academic debates and more experimental or performative approaches.
Debate Topics:
Debate proposals should connect to the conference’s established topics, available here:
https://icsr2026.uk/topics/
Proposers are encouraged to interpret these topics broadly and creatively.
We welcome proposals that:
- Present clearly contrasting viewpoints or positions
- Offer insight into emerging or contentious issues
- Encourage dialogue across disciplines, including research, practice, and artistic exploration
- Invite lively and accessible discussion for a diverse conference audience
- Contribute to critical reflection across the robotics and arts communities
Who can propose a debate?
Submissions are open to anyone working in or connected to social robotics, HRI, the arts, design, engineering, humanities, or creative practice. Interdisciplinary proposals are especially encouraged.
Debate format:
Debates will be live, moderated sessions incorporated into the main conference programme. Possible formats include:
- Two-sided debates
- Multi-position debates
- Panel-style discussions
- Artistic or performative debate formats
- Audience-engaged debates (polls, challenges, Q&A, etc.)
Proposers may suggest a preferred format and potential speakers, though final arrangements will be made in consultation with the ICSR debate chair.
A touch of tradition:
To celebrate the spirit of traditional British debating, participants are encouraged to wear academic gowns, reflecting the heritage and formality of historic university debates in the UK. This tradition will bring a distinctive and ceremonial atmosphere to the discussions, blending academic rigor with cultural and artistic expression.
How to submit a debate proposal?
To propose a debate, please visit the Debate Submission Page and complete the form:
https://icsr2026.uk/debate-proposal
Important dates:
- Debate Proposal Submission Deadline: 15 March 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: 15 April 2026
ICSR + Art 2026 looks forward to your debate proposals and to hosting engaging, stimulating, and thought-provoking discussions throughout the conference.
Accepted Debates: