Early-bird registration deadline: 21st April 2026

Program

Speakers and Program

Get to know the brilliant plenary speakers for the ESSSAT 2026 conference. Our plenary
speakers bring a wealth of expertise and diverse perceptive on topics relating to theology,
science and linguistic diversity. You can also propose to present a short paper or organize
a panel on this topic. See our call for papers here

Dr James Eglinton

Meldrum Senior Lecture in Reformed Theology, University of Edinburgh

Dr Joanna Leidenhag

Associate Professor in Theology and Philosophy, University of Leeds.

Olli-Pekka Vainio

Olli-Pekka Vainio is Professor of Dogmatics at the University of Helsinki.

Dr Arik Kershenbaum

For more information on our bioacoustic conservation technology.

Bishop Nick Baines

Serving as Bishop of Leeds, overseeing the Church of England’s Diocese of Leeds (area includes West Yorkshire & the Dales

Lumbreras Sancho, Sara

Sara Lumbreras is an associate professor at the ICAI School of Engineering at Comillas Pontifical University.

Conference Program

Explore our program of thoughtprovoking lectures and papers to be held at St George’s Conference Centre in the heart of Leeds

Wednesday 19th August 2026

  • 3pm Check-in available at Storm Jamison Court
  • 4-5pm Opening Reception at St George’s Conference Centre
  • 5-6:30 Plenary One/Public Lecture
  • 6:30-8pm Dinner at St George’s Centre

Thursday 20th August

  • 08:30 Morning Service in St George’s Church
  • 9:00-10:30 Plenary 2
  • 10:30-11:00 Coffee break
  • 11:00-13:00 Short Paper 1
  • 13:00-14:30 Lunch break
  • 14:30-16:00 Plenary 3
  • 16:00-16:30 Coffee break
  • 16:30-18:00 Short Papers 2
  • 18:00-19:30 Dinner

Friday 21st August

  • 08:30 Morning Service in St George’s Church
  • 09:00-10:30 Plenary 4
  • 10:30-11:00 Coffee break
  • 11:00-13:00 Short Papers 3
  • 13:00-14:00 Lunch
  • 14:00 Leave for group excursion to York from
  • 15:00-17:30 Free time in York
  • 17:30-18:15 Choral Evensong at York Minister
  • 18:30-21:00 Dinner at York Railway Museum (TBC)
  • 21:00 Return to Leeds

Saturday 22nd August

  • 08:30 Morning Service in St George’s Church
  • 09:00-10:30 Plenary 5
  • 10:30-11:00 Coffee break
  • 11:00-13:00 Short Papers 4
  • 13:00-14:00 Lunch
  • 14:00-15:00 ESSSAT AGM
  • 15:00-15:30 Coffee Break
  • 15:30-16:30 ESSSAT Prize giving
  • 18:30-20:00 Dinner

Plenary Speakers

Our Plenary Speakers are distinguished leaders, innovators, and experts from around the globe who bring visionary insights and thought-provoking perspectives to the forefront of our event

Dr James Eglinton

Meldrum Senior Lecture in Reformed Theology, University of Edinburgh

Dr Joanna Leidenhag

Associate Professor in Theology and Philosophy, University of Leeds.

Don't forget, international attendees now need a ETIAS visa to travel to the UK

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