Conference Organizer: Syed Farooq Mohyud Din
PhD Student | Department of Religion | Rice University
Conference Overview:
The emergence of artificial intelligence as a transformative social and technological force has generated considerable scholarly attention across the sciences, philosophy and the humanities. Yet the religious, theological and sociological dimensions of this development remain underexplored in formal academic settings. Questions of human identity, eschatological imagination, moral responsibility, interfaith harmony and community life, long central to the study of religion, are being profoundly reshaped by intelligent machines, and they demand rigorous, interdisciplinary engagement. This student-led, two-day conference, hosted by the Department of Religion at Rice University, brings together experts from leading institutions worldwide alongside graduate and undergraduate scholars across multiple disciplines, with particular emphasis on the humanities and social sciences.
Format:
Day One is devoted to registration and an opening session, followed by an interdisciplinary meet-and-greet reception for participating faculty and presenting students. The reception is designed to foster dialogue across institutional and disciplinary boundaries before formal sessions begin.
Day Two features thematic panels, each consisting of student paper presentations followed by structured responses from faculty and expert discussants, alongside open discussion sessions. The day concludes with a closing ceremony featuring representatives from leading research centers and institutes.
Key Dates:
- Abstract submission deadline: November 25, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: December 15, 2026
- Full paper submission deadline: February 15, 2027
International applicants who require a U.S. visa are encouraged to submit as early as possible, as processing times vary and can be lengthy.
For more information, please email: aiconference@rice.edu
Department Advisor: William Parsons
Harry and Hazel Chavanne Professor
Department Chair: Brian Ogren
Anna Smith Fine Professor of Judaic Studies
Q. Who can attend or present?
The conference welcomes graduate and undergraduate scholars from universities across multiple disciplines, with particular emphasis on the humanities and social sciences, alongside faculty and invited experts. Non-student applicants who are experts or industry leaders should have a demonstrable focus on artificial intelligence reflected in their CV.
Q. How do I submit an abstract?
Submit a 250–300 word abstract through the conference form by 25 November 2026. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by 15 December 2026, with full papers due 15 February 2027.
Q. Is there a registration fee?
There is no registration fee for the conference.
Q. Is virtual attendance available?
This is a two-day, in-person conference in Houston, Texas. Virtual attendance may be permitted in exceptional circumstances only and is strongly discouraged. The organizers reserve the right to reject a paper if the presenter opts to attend online.
Q. I need a US visa to attend. Can you help?
International applicants who require a US visa are encouraged to submit as early as possible, as processing times vary and can be lengthy. A letter of invitation can be provided to accepted participants on request. Participants are responsible for applying for their own visa; the university cannot assist with visa applications. Please review your local embassy's requirements before applying, as these vary from country to country.
Q. Will meals accommodate dietary requirements?
Meals and refreshments will be served at designated times during the conference, with options to accommodate a range of dietary requirements. Beyond these times, participants are responsible for their own meals. More details will follow with the final schedule.
Q. Will the university provide accommodation?
Accommodation, meals, and travel are the presenter's own expenses.
Q. What is the nearest airport to Rice University?
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) are primarily used for incoming national and international flights.
Q. Can I attend the conference without presenting a paper?
Yes. To attend without presenting, please complete the registration form and, in place of an abstract, include a short statement explaining why you would like to attend. The organizers reserve the right to decline any request.
- Conference Date: April 8–9, 2027
- Abstract submission deadline: November 25, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: December 15, 2026
- Full paper submission deadline: February 15, 2027
The complete conference schedule will be announced later.