We live in a moment of uncertainty – politically, ecologically, technologically. This uncertainty is not unique to now, of course, but it prompts us to think about how we respond to it, both in this moment and in relation to its historical context. On the 100^th anniversary of Werner Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, we invite STS scholars to join us for a conference addressing uncertainty.

The Department of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences at South Dakota Mines invites submissions for presentations at the 2027 Science, Technology, and Society (STS) Symposium to be held in Rapid City, SD, on October 8 and 9, 2027. This symposium aims to bring together STS scholars working in different research traditions and from all disciplinary backgrounds. Although proposals in all areas of STS are welcome, preference will be given to those that engage with the conference theme of uncertainty.

We invite submissions for individual papers, panels, and roundtables. For individual paper proposals, please submit an abstract of approximately 300 words. For panels (3–5 participants), please submit a 300-word abstract outlining the panel’s theme, along with titles and summaries (50–100 words each) of all included papers. Roundtable proposals (up to 6–8 participants) should include a 300-word abstract outlining the discussion topic, along with a list of participants. All abstracts should be submitted by February 1, 2027, using this form.

Possible topics:

• What role does uncertainty play in the production of scientific knowledge?
• What is the role of uncertainty in expertise?
• How should we respond to the uncertain futures created by technology?
• What role might generative artificial intelligence or similar technologies play in our future?
• What stories do we tell about uncertainty and how do these stories shape our actions and our futures?
• Since 2027 will also be the 20^th anniversary of Karen Barad’s Meeting the Universe Halfway, how might we apply Barad’s agential realism to STS now? How does this theory continue to be useful, and what are its limits? 
• What might fill the power vacuum created by political, technological, and ecological uncertainty?
• What is the role of STS programs in navigating uncertainty?
• Who could benefit and who might suffer from this uncertainty?

To accompany the symposium, the Apex Gallery on campus is planning a related art show and reception featuring the work of Jason Kofke, and we will also be inviting zine submissions on uncertainty to share with participants. South Dakota Mines is located in the Black Hills, in western South Dakota, on Očeti Šakówiŋ land. Downtown Rapid City is a short walk from campus, with restaurants, parks, shops, the Dahl Arts Center, and other places to explore. It’s a short drive from town into the Black Hills (Paha Sapa) and a slightly longer drive to either Badlands National Park or Wind Cave National Park.

Please submit abstracts by February 1, 2027, by completing this form. Find more information about the symposium and related events (zines and art show) here. If you have any questions, get in touch with organizers by emailing stsuncertainty2027@gmail.com.