Registration to attend/present

To register to attend the conference, or apply to give a presentation, please use this form.

The registration is free but mandatory to attend the conference
The deadline for presenter proposals is: 28th August 2026
The deadline to register to attend the conference is: 15th September 2026
Everyone can apply, but applicants aged 18 - 35 will be prioritised in the event of limited availability
All the information about presenter applications, including themes, topics and the submission process is below
Do get in touch with any questions: sypitalia@gmail.com

Get involved!

SYP is convening this conference to give students and young professionals the opportunity to present their ideas on peace, security and disarmament, with a particular focus on Europe. This is your chance to share your views, get feedback, meet new people, and hear from some of the leading voices in the field. The conference will help you develop your thoughts, hone your skills, as well as socialise, network and make new friends. We will explore the arguments for and against nuclear weapons, critically analyse the problems posed by weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and the impact of emerging and disruptive technologies, and identify what action citizens and governments can take to create a more peaceful future for all.

In alignment with the Pugwash mission, we are seeking individuals to foster interdisciplinary dialogue on building and maintaining peace and security across Europe. We are looking for innovative ideas to advance science-based diplomacy, disarmament, and peace-building. We welcome applicants from the social sciences such as international relations and politics, as well as researchers and students from STEM fields, including physics, engineering, chemistry, and mathematics.

Recognising the traditional divide between the "hard" and "soft" sciences, our goal is to cultivate a collaborative environment where these communities can bridge their expertise and learn to communicate effectively. If your background falls outside these areas, or if you are unsure how you might contribute, we encourage you to reach out. Above all, we are looking for passionate young leaders dedicated to applying their expertise toward peace and security.

International Context

2026 has seen the continuation of global tension and conflict, with important implications for the future of arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament. February saw the expiry of the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty between Russia and the United States, whilst in May the Review Conference for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty met, but was unable to agree a consensus outcome. The First Review Conference of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons is scheduled to take place in late 2026. At the same time, an increasingly wide-ranging debate on the implementation and use of artificial intelligence has engaged a broader community, which, for example, recently led to the 'Global Assembly of Nobel Laureates on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear War', hosted by the Vatican.

The scientific community's commitment has also been evident in other areas: in early 2026, an initiative led by the academic world gave rise to the 'Quantum Manifesto', which calls for the demilitarisation of universities and renews the focus on scientific ethics and peaceful applications. Elsewhere, the growing need for carbon-free energy sources has shed new light on the debate surrounding the use of nuclear energy, where recent developments in fission reactors, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), and new fusion-based architectures require careful assessment to understand future strategic directions regarding energy (in)dependence. More generally, the deep interconnection between these sectors alongside chemistry, biology and robotics requires a broader and more active commitment from the STEM community to discuss and refine science-based governance recommendations, with a view to ensuring a safer future.

Conference Focus

We welcome proposals on all topics relating to nuclear weapons, other WMD, and international peace and security, but particularly those addressing the following areas:

The Future of European Security

The Evolving Security Landscape: What is the current state of Europe's security architecture, and how will it evolve in the coming years? In an era of rapid transition, what novel elements or unforeseen events must we prepare for?
Europe's Role in a Multipolar World: How can Europe navigate and shape the ongoing paradigm shift toward a multipolar approach to security? What strategies will allow Europe to leverage its influence to foster a more peaceful and secure global environment?
Defending Democratic Values: In the face of increasing remilitarization and the rise of far-right political movements across the continent, how can we preserve civil rights and maintain the moral standing necessary to reject autocratic trends?

Nuclear Deterrence and Disarmament

The Future of Nuclear Arsenals: What is the future for the nuclear arsenals of the UK, France, and NATO stationed in Europe?
Shifting Alliances and Conflicts: How will the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, combined with the deteriorating transatlantic alliance under the current U.S. administration, affect the strategic realities of nuclear deterrence?
Pathways to a World Without WMDs: What realistic pathways exist and what lessons can we draw

Implications of Emerging Technologies

Disruption, Mitigation, and Positive Applications: What impact will emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, next-generation nuclear energy, and synthetic biology (e.g., mirror life) have on the future of European and global security? Furthermore, what early measures can effectively mitigate their disruptive risks, and how might we harness these innovations for positive security applications?
Technological Maturity and Reality: What is the true developmental maturity of these critical technologies? In assessing their current trajectory, how can policymakers and the scientific community accurately separate speculative hype from the capabilities that are actually unfolding?
Responsible Innovation and STEM Engagement: How can students and researchers from STEM backgrounds actively engage in these diplomatic and strategic conversations to ensure the responsible, ethical, and aware application of their scientific research?

The conference will provide a space for students and young professionals to share their ideas, be creative, and think big. It will include leading senior expert talks and youth-based panel discussions. During the event there will be multiple occasions to engage in workshops and creative activities, as well as free time to network with participants and learn more on how to get involved with the SYP network. We promote diversity and welcome participants from Italy, Europe and beyond.

How to submit your presentation proposal

Submissions from students at all levels of study, non-academics, and from all disciplines are welcome. If you are uncertain about whether the topic you wish to present on fits with the conference brief, please do either contact us or submit your idea, as we are open to a range of approaches. If you are unsure of how to translate your scientific knowledge into a presentation for this conference, please get in touch.

Proposals should be no longer than 300 words and include the following:

Your name, age, organisation / university affiliation, position / educational level, and your discipline (e.g. what you study)
The provisional title of your presentation or poster
A summary of your presentation, including its context
Specific policy or other recommendations, for government, international organisations or civil society, are encouraged

If you prefer, you can submit a proposal for a poster to present your ideas and research. This will be displayed at the conference where you can explain your work to attendees. Conference posters can include a mixture of text, tables, graphs, and pictures. Please submit your proposal using this form.

If accepted, we ask that you present for 10 - 15 minutes (followed by questions) at the conference. We would much prefer it if you can present in person but will consider online presentations. Presenters are eligible to apply for travel expenses to the conference.

We would like to include a short summary of papers and presenter details in the conference proceedings, which will be shared among SYP's membership, with international partners, and on our website.