Conferences & Workshops

Engaging with the Broader Scholarly Community

At The University of Ontological Science, conferences and workshops serve as vital forums for intellectual exchange, professional development, and community building. These gatherings—ranging from intimate departmental workshops to international symposia—provide opportunities to share your research, encounter cutting-edge ideas, and build connections with scholars from around the world. Participating in these events is an essential dimension of your development as a contributor to the ongoing dialogue about consciousness, reality, and human experience.

TUOS-Hosted Conferences

Annual Signature Events
Major conferences organized by the university:

• International Symposium on Consciousness Studies (Spring): Our flagship conference bringing together leading researchers from across disciplines to explore the nature of mind and awareness
• Ontological Frameworks Conference (Fall): A gathering focused on fundamental questions of reality, being, and existence
• Phenomenological Methods Summit (Winter): An intensive exploration of approaches to studying first-person experience
• Applied Ontology Forum (Summer): Examining practical applications of ontological insights in technology, healthcare, education, and beyond
• Graduate Research Conference (May): Showcasing student research across all domains of ontological science
• Cross-Cultural Ontologies Colloquium (Biennial): Exploring diverse cultural approaches to understanding reality

Departmental Research Symposia
Focused gatherings within specialized areas:

• Consciousness Studies Research Day (Quarterly)
• Philosophy of Mind Colloquium Series (Monthly)
• Metaphysics & Reality Workshop (Semesterly)
• Phenomenological Inquiry Symposium (Annual)
• Cognitive Science & Philosophy Interface (Biannual)
• Ethics in Ontological Science Roundtable (Quarterly)

Special Topic Conferences
Events addressing emerging areas of inquiry:

• Artificial Intelligence & Consciousness Symposium: Exploring the intersection of AI, machine learning, and consciousness studies
• Quantum Approaches to Consciousness Conference: Examining quantum theoretical frameworks for understanding mind
• Embodied Cognition Workshop: Investigating the role of the body in consciousness and thought
• Digital Ontologies Summit: Exploring being and reality in virtual and digital contexts
• Experiential Research Methods Conference: Advancing rigorous approaches to studying subjective experience
• Ontological Implications of Emerging Technologies: Addressing how new technologies reshape our understanding of reality

Participation Opportunities

Presenting Your Research
Ways to share your scholarly work:

• Paper Presentations: Formal sharing of research findings with Q&A
• Poster Sessions: Visual presentations allowing for one-on-one discussions
• Panel Discussions: Thematic conversations with multiple presenters
• Lightning Talks: Brief, high-impact presentations of key ideas
• Workshop Facilitation: Interactive sessions teaching methods or approaches
• Demonstration Sessions: Showing research tools, technologies, or techniques in action

Submission and Selection Process
Guidance for successful conference proposals:

• Abstract writing workshops preparing you for effective submissions
• Peer review coaching to understand evaluation criteria
• Submission timeline calendars for major conferences in the field
• Feedback sessions on draft proposals before submission
• Guidance on responding to reviewer comments and revisions
• Practice presentation opportunities before conferences

Funding Support
Resources to enable conference participation:

• Graduate Student Travel Grants for external conferences
• Registration fee waivers for TUOS-hosted events
• Competitive presentation awards with monetary prizes
• Group travel arrangements for distant conferences
• Early registration discounts for advance planning
• Shared accommodation coordination for cost reduction

Professional Development Workshops

Research Methodology Workshops
Intensive training in specialized approaches:

• Advanced Phenomenological Methods: Training in rigorous first-person research techniques
• Mixed Methods in Consciousness Studies: Integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches
• Neurophenomenology Practicum: Combining first-person and third-person methodologies
• Cross-Cultural Research Ethics: Navigating diverse traditions respectfully
• Digital Tools for Ontological Research: Using technology to enhance investigation
• Experimental Design for Philosophical Questions: Empirical approaches to theoretical issues

Academic Career Development
Building essential professional skills:

• Academic Publishing Workshop Series: Navigating from manuscript to publication
• Grant Writing Intensive: Developing competitive funding proposals
• Job Market Preparation: Positioning yourself for academic positions
• Teaching Portfolio Development: Creating effective documentation of teaching
• Academic Networking Strategies: Building meaningful professional connections
• Digital Scholarship Workshop: Leveraging online platforms for research visibility

Beyond Academia Workshops
Preparing for diverse career trajectories:

• Applied Ontology in Industry: Translating philosophical training to business contexts
• Consulting Skills for Philosophers: Using ontological expertise in advisory roles
• Science Communication Training: Making complex ideas accessible to broader audiences
• Entrepreneurial Thinking for Scholars: Developing independent ventures
• Non-Profit Leadership Workshop: Applying philosophical training in social impact organizations
• Tech Industry Transitions: Opportunities in technology for ontological scientists

Virtual & Hybrid Engagement

Digital Conference Platforms
Online and hybrid participation options:

• Live-streamed keynote addresses and major sessions
• Virtual poster halls with interactive features
• Online networking lounges facilitating remote connections
• Digital conference proceedings with multimedia capabilities
• Asynchronous discussion forums extending conversations
• Recorded sessions available for post-conference viewing

Virtual Workshop Series
Online professional development opportunities:

• Monthly webinars on specialized research topics
• Virtual writing retreats with structured productivity sessions
• Online methodology masterclasses with interactive components
• Digital skills workshops for research and communication
• Remote reading groups exploring foundational texts
• International virtual exchanges with partner institutions

Hybrid Engagement Strategies
Maximizing participation across modalities:

• Technology support for seamless hybrid presentation
• Facilitation strategies ensuring online participant inclusion
• Dedicated community builders linking in-person and virtual attendees
• Collaborative digital workspaces extending beyond synchronous sessions
• Mixed-reality social events connecting all participants
• Post-event digital communities maintaining connections

Conference Organization Opportunities

Student Conference Committee
Gain experience in scholarly event planning:

• Serving on the Graduate Research Conference organizing team
• Contributing to theme development and program design
• Reviewing submissions and constructing coherent panels
• Managing logistics and participant experience
• Facilitating sessions and moderating discussions
• Evaluating event success and planning improvements

Special Interest Group Gatherings
Develop focused events around emerging topics:

• Proposal process for student-initiated workshops
• Funding support for innovative gathering formats
• Mentorship from faculty with event planning experience
• Marketing and communication support for maximum participation
• Documentation guidance for proceedings and outcomes
• Assessment tools for measuring impact and gathering feedback

Conference Leadership Development
Building skills in academic event creation:

• Workshop series on scholarly event design and management
• Shadowing opportunities with experienced conference organizers
• Incremental responsibility progression in planning teams
• Mentored leadership roles in departmental events
• Training in inclusive and accessible event practices
• Recognition of conference organization in academic portfolios

Engaging with Conferences & Workshops

The annual Calendar of Events is published each August, listing all planned TUOS conferences and workshops for the academic year. Registration for university-hosted events typically opens 2-3 months before each event, with early registration discounts available.

For information about current conference opportunities, visit the Academic Events Portal at events.tuos.edu or contact the Office of Academic Conferences in Berkeley Hall, Room 304.

We strongly encourage graduate students to participate in at least one significant conference annually, either at TUOS or externally. To support this participation, application deadlines for travel funding occur three times yearly (September 15, January 15, and May 15), with details available through the Graduate Research Office.

At TUOS, we view conferences and workshops not merely as venues for presentation but as vital communities of practice where the collaborative work of advancing ontological understanding unfolds. Through active engagement with these opportunities, you join an ongoing conversation that extends far beyond our campus—contributing your unique voice to our collective exploration of the most fundamental questions about consciousness, reality, and human experience.