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.
Speakers(9)
Andrew Stawasz
Clinical Fellow at University of Michigan Law School
Andrew Stawasz is a Clinical Fellow at the University of Michigan Law School, focusing on environmental law and policy.
David Gruber
Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at City University of New York
David Gruber is a Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at the City University of New York, specializing in marine biology and biofluorescence.
Dr. Kathrin Herrmann
Veterinary Specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law
Dr. Kathrin Herrmann is a veterinary specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics & Law (DipECAWBM, AWSEL) with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences.
Elan Abrell
Visiting Assistant Professor at New York University
Elan Abrell is a Visiting Assistant Professor at New York University, with research interests in animal law and ethics.
Hank Greely
Professor of Law at Stanford University
Hank Greely is a Professor of Law at Stanford University, specializing in the ethical, legal, and social implications of biomedical technologies.
Jeff Sebo
Clinical Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at New York University
Jeff Sebo is a Clinical Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at New York University, focusing on animal ethics and environmental ethics.
Michael Livermore
Professor of Law at University of Virginia
Michael Livermore is a Professor of Law at the University of Virginia, with expertise in environmental law and policy.
Nicole Negowetti
Clinical Instructor at Harvard Law School
Nicole Negowetti is a Clinical Instructor at Harvard Law School, focusing on food law and policy.
Pamela Frasch
Associate Dean and Executive Director at Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School
Pamela Frasch is the Associate Dean and Executive Director of the Center for Animal Law Studies at Lewis & Clark Law School.
Event Details
- Date
- February 27, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 New York, United States
- Lester Pollack Colloquium Room, Furman Hall, NYU School of Law
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Legal professionals, academics, policymakers, and students interested in animal law and emerging technologies.
- CLE Credits
- 2 New York State CLE credits in Areas of Professional Practice for in-person attendees.
- Attendees
- Approximately 150 attendees participated in person, with additional virtual attendees via Zoom.