The conference offers a platform for exchange of information about research developments, debates about controversial political and ethical issues concerning the treatment of animals and a variety of cultural activities around animals.

Speakers (among others):

• Prof. Colin Allen, Professor of Philosophy, specialized in Philosophy of Biology and Cognitive Science, in particular animal behaviour and cognition
• Prof. Marc Bekoff, Emeritus Professor of Animal Behaviour, author of numerous books about animal capacities and the human-animal relationship
• Prof. John Coetzee, Nobel Prize winning author
• Prof. Julia Driver, Professor of Philosophy, exploring a Humean account of duties towards animals
• Prof. Robert Garner, Professor of Political Theory, specialized in the political
• representation of non-human interests and animal rights
• Prof. Dale Jamieson, Professor of Environmental Studies and Philosophy
• Prof. Christine Korsgaard, Professor of Philosophy, developped a novel Kantian account of our duties towards animals
• Prof. Will Kymlicka, Professor of Political Philosophy, recently co-authored a book on political philosophy and animal rights
• Raj Panjwani QC, practicising lawyer of the Supreme Court of India, specialised in animal protection.
• Prof. Harriet Ritvo, Professor of History, specialised in the history of human-animal relationships
• Dr. Jill Robinson, animal protectionis and founder of Animals Asia
• Prof. Paul Schnabel, Professor of Sociology and director of the Dutch Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau
• Prof. Peter Singer, Professor of Philosophy, developed a utilitarian approach to animal ethics