On November 20, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., the online workshop „Tech for Tails: Animals, Technology and Ethics“ will bring together leading scholars to explore the intersections of animal ethics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and human-animal relationships. The program features four presentations addressing key philosophical and ethical questions surrounding animals and emerging technologies. Bernice Bovenkerk (Wageningen University) will discuss „The Synergy between Biotechnology and AI for Conservation: An Epistemic Justice Problem“, examining questions of epistemic justice arising from the convergence of biotechnology and artificial intelligence in conservation. Mickey Gjerris (University of Copenhagen) will explore the ethical implications of bringing extinct species back to life in his talk „Love in the Age of De-Extinction“. Oscar Horta (University of Santiago de Compostela) will present „Sentience-Inclusive Alignment While There Is Still Time“, addressing the importance of considering sentient beings in the development and alignment of AI systems. Finally, Oliver Bendel (FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland) will provide an „Introduction to Animal-Machine Interaction“, examining the relationships between animals and machines and the ethical challenges associated with these interactions. The workshop will conclude with a general discussion, offering an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the future of animals and technology. Participation is free and online, with registration required to receive the Zoom link. Interested participants can register by emailing hribek@flu.cas.cz. Further information, including the full program, is available at cetep.eu/tech-for-tails-animals-technology-and-ethics/.

Fig.: A scene from the Robodog project (Photo: Selina Rohr)