CfP: History and Philosophy of Geophysics Workshop at the Royal Institution, 12th May 2025

We are delighted to invite applications to attend or contribute to the workshop Decoding Our Planet: The Making of Geophysics, which will take place at the Royal Institution in London on May 12, 2025. The event is sponsored by the Freer Trust and the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge.

 

This full-day event will explore philosophical and historical perspectives on the study of Earth’s climate system, gravity, internal structure, dynamics, and magnetism. The program will feature a public keynote by Naomi Oreskes (Harvard) and talks by Alisa Bokulich (Boston University), Teru Miyake (Nanyang Technological University), Gregory Good (Emeritus Director of the American Institute of Physics), Katy Duncan (Royal Institution), and Miguel Ohnesorge (University of Cambridge).

 

This workshop is likely the first of its kind, aiming to foster community-building among scientists, philosophers, and historians interested in geophysical problems. We particularly welcome submissions that integrate philosophical and historical perspectives or explore the Royal Institution's role in the history of geophysics. Junior scholars are especially encouraged to apply, and registration fees have been waived for a limited number of attendees. Travel subsidies may be available, though we cannot guarantee them at this stage.

 

If you are interested in attending or presenting, please register your interest by filling out this form. You may choose between the following options:

 

1. Submit a talk abstract

We have up to three speaker slots available and invite abstract submissions on any topic related to the history and/or philosophy of geophysics, especially its foundational problems. Selected speakers will have the opportunity to:


  • Record digital content for the Royal Institution’s outreach program
  • Visit historical collections and archive
  • Full-day catering
  • Complimentary attendance at Naomi Oreskes’s evening lecture in the historic lecture theatre
  • Join a post-workshop dinner with other speakers and trustees

 

2. Apply to attend

A limited number of free places are available, with priority given to students and early career researchers (ECRs). These places include:


  • Full-day catering
  • Complimentary attendance at Prof. Oreskes’s evening lecture in the historic lecture theatre

 

If demand exceeds capacity, there may be an opportunity to attend for a modest fee.