NYU Environmental Law Journal Annual Symposium 2026

The NYU Environmental Law Journal's 2026 Annual Symposium, titled "Promises and Perils: How Emerging Technologies Shape Animal Law and Policy," was held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM EST. The event took place at the Lester Pollack Colloquium Room in Furman Hall at NYU School of Law and was also accessible virtually via Zoom. The symposium was co-sponsored by the State Energy & Environmental Impact Center.

The symposium focused on the intersection of animal law and emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and climate mitigation technologies. The event began with a keynote address by Dr. Kathrin Herrmann, a veterinary specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Following the keynote, two panels were held: the first discussed the effects of technology on animal welfare at the individual and species levels, while the second examined the impact of technology on animal welfare within industries such as the food sector.

Panelists included experts from various disciplines, including animal law philosophers, cultural anthropologists, scientists, attorneys, and policymakers. Notable speakers were Jeff Sebo, David Gruber, Michael Livermore, Hank Greely, Nicole Negowetti, and Elan Abrell, with moderators Pamela Frasch and Andrew Stawasz. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with speakers through question-and-answer sessions following each panel.

The symposium offered two New York State Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits in the category of Areas of Professional Practice for in-person attendees. The credits were appropriate for both newly admitted and experienced attorneys.