Birkbeck University Of London’s Science Week Features Artificial Intelligence, The Future Of Humanity
In May and June, Birkbeck’s School of Science will host a week of free engaging and interactive public evening lectures from its three main subject areas: Psychological Sciences, Biological Sciences and Earth and Planetary Sciences, as well as a film screening of Infinite Potential, and the return of the annual Rosalind Franklin lecture.
Science Week takes place annually and the events are for anyone who has received an offer to study in the School of Science, has a passing interest in science and/or is considering studying science at university. Attendees can join the free science talks in-person on Birkbeck’s campus in Bloomsbury, right in the heart of central London, or join the global online audience as each event is livestreamed.
More information on each event:
Tuesday 30 May, 6-9pm: Biological Sciences
Two talks by Birkbeck scientists will focus on artificial intelligence and its applications to biology. This will be followed by a panel discussion on how science research and education at Birkbeck can be transformative for both individuals and the wider society. There will also be the chance to get behind the scenes with tours around Birkbeck’s laboratories and science facilities.
Thursday 1 June, 6-9pm: Film Screening: Infinite Potential
David Joseph Bohm FRS (1917-1992) was a Professor of Theoretical Physics at Birkbeck from 1961 to 1987. He has been described as one of the most significant theoretical physicists of the twentieth century and Infinite Potential, directed by Paul Howard, draws a compelling portrait of the man Einstein described as his “spiritual son”.
Friday 2 June, 6-9pm: Earth and Planetary Sciences
This event will involve a mini taster lecture on how astrobiology can inform our understanding of life on Earth, the philosophy of the search for life elsewhere in the Solar System and beyond, and the future of humanity as a multi-planet species. This will be followed up by a Q&A session by the speaker.
Monday 5 June, 6-9pm: Psychological Sciences
The event will start with a series of short talks by researchers, with a focus on the topic of educational neuroscience. These talks will be followed by a Q&A and panel discussion on the progress made in this field and how research in cognitive neuroscience, psychology and genetics can help promote better learning. Attendees will then have a chance to explore the wider research carried out at Birkbeck by talking to PhD students during a poster session.
Tuesday 6 June, 6-9pm, Rosalind Franklin Lecture
This year’s lecture will be delivered by Professor Francesca Happé, whose work has explored, amongst other topics, the nature of social understanding in neurotypical development and ‘mentalising’ difficulties in autism. The talk will focus on mental health on the Autism Spectrum.