Invited Speakers and Symposia

The ESPP 2025 conference will feature four keynote speakers, each delivering a keynote address followed by a related symposium organized by a leading expert in the field. See below for details and dates.

2nd September: Petra Schumacher

Keynote: Individual Differences in Semantic and Pragmatic Processing

Petra B. Schumacher is a Professor of German Linguistics / Empirical Linguistics at the University of Cologne. Her research focuses on experimental pragmatics, information structure, psycho- and neurolinguistics, and reference. Dr. Schumacher investigates language processing, neurocognitive mechanisms, discourse processes, and the syntax-semantics interface, with a keen interest in speaker-hearer interaction and the neurocognitive aspects of speech disorders.

Accompanying Symposium: Semantic and Pragmatic Processing
Organiser: Vera Demberg

3rd September: Emma Borg

Keynote: In Defence of Common-Sense Psychology: Experimental Challenges and Philosophical Responses

Emma Borg is a Professor at the Institute of Philosophy, School of Advanced Studies, University of London. She is widely known for her work in philosophy of language (notably ‘minimal semantics’), philosophy of mind (reasons for action, rationality, and understanding chronic pain), and business ethics (corporate responsibility to society). Dr. Borg has held distinguished positions at the University of Reading and has published extensively on these topics.

Accompanying Symposium: Experimental Challenges to Common-Sense Psychology
Organiser: Eric Mandelbaum

4th September: Nora Newcombe

Keynote: The Representational Significance of Cognitive Maps

Nora S. Newcombe is the Laura H. Carnell Professor of Psychology at Temple University. A leading figure in spatial cognition, cognitive development, and memory research, she has made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cognitive maps and spatial reasoning across the lifespan. Dr. Newcombe’s many accolades include membership in the National Academy of Sciences and the APA Distinguished Scientific Contributions Award.

Accompanying Symposium: Cognitive Maps and Representation
Organiser: Roberto Casati

5th September: Cameron Buckner

Keynote: Large Language Models as Models of Human Reasoning

Cameron Buckner began his career in computer science, focusing on non-monotonic logic approaches to artificial intelligence. His research explores the interplay between learning and meaning, especially how contemporary learning models inform theories of mental content and knowledge representation. Dr. Buckner’s work spans animal cognition, AI, and philosophical methodology, with a current focus on the philosophical implications of large language models.

Accompanying Symposium: LLMs and Human Reasoning
Organiser: Emily Sullivan

We look forward to an exciting week of keynotes and symposia at ESPP 2025!