The Royal Society in London will be looking to the future this March, with lectures on computing, climate change and robots, amongst other topics.
Computing for the future (Image: © 4X-image)
Computing for the future of the planet
When: 2nd March 2017, 6.30pm – 7.30pm (doors open 6pm)
Where: The Royal Society, London, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG
£: Free (no need to register, just turn up)
What is it?
Bakerian Medal and Lecture 2017 awardee Professor Andy Hopper, will discuss a framework for the role of computing in dealing with the sustainability of the planet. The lecture will cover an optimal digital infrastructure; sensing and optimising the use of resources in the physical world; guaranteeing the performance of indispensable systems; and digital alternatives to physical activities.
More info: royalsociety.org
Lukewarm climate change (Image: Arne Hückelheim)
Climate change: catastrophe, hoax or just lukewarm?
When: 6th March 2017, 6.30pm – 7.30pm (doors open 6pm)
Where: The Royal Society, London, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG
£: Free (no need to register, just turn up)
What is it?
Views about climate change can be divided. For some, it spells inevitable catastrophe and for others it is a massive hoax. However, in between these extremes a third ‘lukewarm’ perspective has emerged. Professor Palmer will explain why none of the three perspectives are consistent with the risk-based scientific consensus about climate change, and why uncertainty about future climate need not itself be a reason for inaction.
More info: royalsociety.org
Robots, AI and Society
Work less, play more: can humans benefit from robots in the workplace?
When: 22nd March 2017, 6.30pm – 8pm
Where: The Royal Society, London, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG
£: Free (register online)
What is it?
This event is part of the British Academy’s season on Robotics, AI and Society, in partnership with the Royal Society. If, as experts warn, large numbers of jobs are at risk of automation over the next twenty years, are we likely to encounter similar scenes of upheaval? Or are concerns about robots stealing our jobs misdirected? If machines can save us time and open up new types of roles, then surely we should embrace the change?
More info: royalsociety.org
Growth cone showing polarised mRNA translation nearest to signal gradient on right (Image: K-M Leung)
Wiring up the brain: how axons navigate
When: 28th March 2017, 6.30pm – 7.30pm (doors open 6pm)
Where: The Royal Society, London, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG
£: Free (no need to register, just turn up)
What is it?
Ferrier Prize Lecture 2017 awardee Professor Christine Holt discusses work on how the eye makes its long-distance connections with the brain. Holt will discuss general mechanisms of guidance and the discovery that RNA-based mechanisms inside axons help to establish and maintain neural circuitry.
More info: royalsociety.org