Celebrating the life and work of Professor Margaret Boden

If you have spent any time around the University of Sussex or follow the local academic scene, you might be interested in an upcoming event dedicated to the work of Professor Margaret Boden. On Tuesday, 30 June 2026, the Centre for Cognitive Science (COGS) is hosting a day-long gathering to reflect on her contributions to cognitive science and artificial intelligence. It is essentially a series of academic talks and discussions aimed at exploring the impact she has had on interdisciplinary research over the years.

The programme runs from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and takes place in Pevensey 1A7 at the University of Sussex campus. It is structured as a mix of academic presentations and personal reflections, with a roundtable discussion scheduled to look at her broader legacy. The list of speakers is quite extensive, featuring academics who have worked in fields ranging from philosophy and ethics to computer science and neuroscience. You can expect to hear from people like Joanna Bryson, who focuses on ethics and technology, and Ron Chrisley, known for his work in cognitive science and AI. Other contributors include Andy Clark, Dave Cliff, Ernest Edmonds, Anna Jordanous, Yvonne Rogers, Anil Seth, Mike Sharples, Dustin Stokes, Steve Torrance, Michael Wheeler, and Blay Whitby.

This event is open to colleagues, collaborators, students, and anyone with a genuine interest in the intersection of cognitive science and AI. It is worth noting that the event is free to attend, though it is clearly geared towards those who are already familiar with the academic landscape or the specific areas of research Professor Boden influenced. It is a straightforward opportunity to engage with the ideas that have shaped this field, presented by those who have worked alongside her or built upon her research. If you are planning to head up to the campus, the day is designed to be a comprehensive look at her career, so expect a full schedule of presentations throughout the day.