In a recent milestone webinar, the Posthumanism Research Institute (PRI) at Brock University celebrated its tenth anniversary. Director Dr. Trevor Norris, Associate Director Elizabeth Neswald, and founding director Dr. Christine Daigle gathered to reflect on the Institute’s evolution from a local initiative into a global hub for “post-disciplinary” inquiry.
From Local Roots to Global Reach
Founded in 2015 following the successful “Thinking Through Deleuze” conference, the PRI was born from a desire to create a dedicated space for scholars across Brock University to share ideas. Dr. Daigle noted that the Institute has far exceeded its initial vision, now boasting over 100 members internationally. The PRI has become a vital catalyst for publications, including the journal Interconnections and the Posthumanism in Practice book series with Bloomsbury.
Defining the Field: Posthumanism vs. Transhumanism
A central theme of the discussion was the clarification of posthumanism itself. Unlike transhumanism, which often seeks to use technology to transcend human biological limits, critical posthumanism functions as a worldview or theoretical framework that challenges “human exceptionalism.”
The speakers emphasized that posthumanism dismantles traditional hierarchies of being. By viewing the human as inextricably interconnected with technology and the environment, the field offers new ways to address the “poly-crisis” of our era—including climate change and social inequity.
A Relational Ethics of Care
Dr. Daigle highlighted that the most pressing task for posthumanism today is applying its framework to environmental issues. This involves moving beyond “anthropocentric sustainability”—which seeks to preserve the planet merely for human use—toward a relational ethics of care.
“As long as we’re going to hold on to human exceptionalism and hierarchies of beings, we’re not going to move forward in any kind of constructive way.” — Dr. Christine Daigle
This shift is not just theoretical. The PRI fosters “research creation,” encouraging scholars to break free from traditional academic “shackles” through creative, speculative, and poetic modes of writing.
Looking Ahead
As the PRI looks toward the next decade, its leadership remains committed to supporting early-career scholars and expanding collaborations with researchers in the Global South, Asia, and Africa. By continuing to be member-driven, the Institute ensures it remains at the forefront of the most “funky” and transformative ideas in the humanities today.
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