Published 8 Sep 2021

Meeting Update

I hope you are all staying well and continuing to deal with the difficulties presented by the global pandemic. 

As you may imagine, the management of the PSA has been struggling to decide on how to proceed with PSA 2021, the already postponed PSA 2020. In particular we have been considering whether it might be possible to move to a fully online format. As our experience over the last year and a half has shown, online meetings are not without advantages. Apart from the obvious benefits for the safety of attendees, online formats have greatly increased potential access to many events. 

Nonetheless, our recent survey of PSA members has made it clear that a large majority of members greatly value the opportunities for social and professional interaction only afforded by a meeting in person. Moreover, cancelling the in-person meeting will expose the PSA to heavy financial penalties that would seriously reduce our ability to fund programs such as travel grants, dependent care and so on for future meetings.

We have decided, therefore, that all things considered the best plan is to continue preparing for an in person meeting in Baltimore this coming November 11-14, and the program for this meeting is now being circulated. The program shows three types of sessions: in person, hybrid and remote. Hybrid sessions allow for some in-person speakers and some remote speakers, but not remote attendance. Remote sessions are 100% online and therefore can be attended remotely. We are working on moving some additional events online, and details will be circulated as soon as possible. No solution is ideal, but we are convinced that this is the best compromise available between the various conflicting factors. Of course, the situation is subject to change, and circumstances may force us to revise these plans. We will keep you updated on any developments. 

One option that is no longer feasible is a further postponement, as we are already beginning to plan for the 2022 meeting in Pittsburgh (November 10-13). A call for papers for the Pittsburgh meeting, which we also assume will be in person, will be circulated in the next few weeks.


With very best wishes,

John Dupré

President


PSA 2021 Program

The PSA 2021 Program is now available! We are extremely grateful for Angela Potochnik’s seemingly infinite work in creating such a robust program.

Moderate a Session

Moderating or chairing a session is crucial for the success of PSA 2021. Review sessions and volunteer to become a moderator.

Reserve Your Hotel Room

PSA 2021 will be hosted at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor. The PSA has negotiated a room rate of USD 150/night. See more information about hotel arrangements on the meeting website.

PSA Guidelines for COVID-Safe Behavior

We recently updated our COVID guidelines for the meeting to require all participants to be fully vaccinated, unless prevented from doing so by a pre-existing medical condition. Read the rest of the guidelines.

Soon to Be Announced...

We will soon be opening registration, announcing grant opportunities, and more. Updates will be communicated via email, social media, and posted on our website. 

Published 23 July 2021

Meeting Update

Because of the global pandemic, the PSA 2020 Meeting was postponed to 2021, making it the first ever PSA meeting to occur in an odd-numbered year. While last November seems like ages ago, this November will be here before we know it, so I'd like to share a brief update on PSA 2020/21.

The meeting is planned to occur in person, Nov 11 - 14, 2021 at the Baltimore Hilton Inner Harbor. I'm optimistic that turnout will be high because a recent survey showed more than 85% of speakers planned to present in person.

Meeting Logistics

  • Almost all sessions will occur in person at the Baltimore hotel. Accommodations will be made in cases where remote presentation is necessary. It will not be possible to attend these sessions remotely if you're not a speaker.
  • In those cases where a session comprises exclusively remote presenters, the session will occur remotely. For these sessions, remote participation will be possible.
  • All PSA special events like the Poster Session, Public Forum, etc., are planned and will occur in person.

Hotel Reservations

Reservation codes and links for conference hotel rooms will be available soon. Rates, codes, and more will be posted to the meeting website.

COVID Safety Precautions

In consultation with medical and health experts, PSA Board Members have written a set of COVID guidelines to promote the safety of our participants. These guidelines may change as new information becomes available or guidance is updated.

Meeting Program

A draft of the PSA 2021 meeting program is nearly complete. Once it’s available, we’ll post it to the meeting website.

Grants

Because of the generosity of sponsors and donors, the PSA will once again be offering grants to defray the cost of attending the PSA 2021. Grant application procedures and deadlines will be announced on the meeting website.

These grants depend on your support. Donate to help scholars participate in PSA 2021.

Book Exhibit

PSA 2021 will again include a book exhibit that features the latest titles in the philosophy of science and the opportunity to talk directly with publishers. Ensure your book is promoted by encouraging your publisher to exhibit with us.

In addition to the in person book exhibit, we also have a virtual book exhibit. Preview titles and save your favorites.

Sponsor and Advertise

Attendees will be forever grateful for any and all coffee break sponsorships (philosophers love their coffee!).

Sponsoring these events or others essentially supports the philosophy of science. Sponsors and advertisers also have the opportunity to connect meaningfully with philosophers of science and scholars in related fields. Don’t miss this opportunity!


Sincerely,

Ryan Feigenbaum
PSA Executive Director
he/him