Technology is the future at the British Science Festival
The British Science Festival in Birmingham this September will play host to an array of technological events; featuring exciting gadgets, and awe-inspiring breakthroughs. From drones of mass destruction, to drones of mass convenience; discuss the ethics around this powerful new technology, and meet Britain’s brainiest supercomputer!
The new UK supercomputer ‘ARCHER’ will be visiting Birmingham, showing off its mega-brain, capable of a million, billion operations per second. Come and meet ARCHER at the Supercomputing: From dinosaurs to particle physics event on 6 September, and complete computational tasks against the clock.
Modern technology allows humans to instantly communicate across vast distances at the click of a button, but what will this mean for future society? Join The Broadband Capacity Crunch event on 11 September, and explore the societal impact of ever growing communicative technology, and its future ramifications.
As the use of drones increases, encompassing counter-terrorism strikes, to mere Amazon delivery services, questions are being raised about the legal and ethical implications of this airborne technology. Join leading experts at The Security Impact of Drone Warfare on 10 September and share your views on the future of drones.
We live in a world where we blindly trade our personal freedom for access to modern life, but where will it end? Aral Balkan explores our digital lives, and what it means for democracy at the The Huxley debate: I, simulation on 10 September. He believes he has the solution, and wants you all to form the counter-argument, so come prepared!
Autonomous robots have suddenly caught the public’s attention, as people imagine a shared world with fast-thinking robotic minds. Join the Inside Future Robots event on 7 September; discover the complex world of robotic life, and peer into a hi-tech future.
From the corridors of power to the British Science Festival; newly appointed Universities and Science Minister, Greg Clark, discusses the five year legacy of coalition Government science policy at A one to one with Greg Clark and Alice Roberts on 11 September. Join the Minister to hear how the government hopes to maintain the UK’s place as a global leader in science, technology and innovation for generations to come.
How much longer will the distinction between living and non-living beings be clear, with bionic people on the horizon? Join BBC star Mark Miodownik, and gaze into the future at the 21st Century Materials event on 6 September as he discusses exciting new matter and materials.
With Government rolling out mass surveillance of our online activities, we are moving dangerously close to full privacy erosion, but what can be done? Visit the Privacy and security in surveillance event on 6 September and discover the technology that could preserve what is left of our freedom
The Festival will take place from 6-11 September in Birmingham, and provides an opportunity to meet researchers face-to-face and discuss the latest science, technology and engineering.
Space for some events is limited, so book now to reserve your place at www.britishsciencefestival.org or call 08456 807 207 for more information.
1. About the British Science Festival
The British Science Festival is one of Europe’s largest science festivals and regularly attracts over 350 of the UK’s top scientists and speakers to discuss the latest developments in science with the public. Over 50,000 visitors attend the talks, discussions and workshops. The Festival takes place at a different location each year and was last held in Birmingham in 2010. The 2014 Festival will take place from 6 – 11 September hosted by the University of Birmingham. For further information, visit www.britishsciencefestival.org @BritishSciFest #BSF14
2. About the British Science Association
The British Science Association (BSA) believes that science should be part of – rather than set apart from – society and culture, and is owned by the wider community. Our programmes encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with science, become ambassadors for science, and ultimately to be empowered to challenge and influence British science – whether they work in science or not.
Established in 1831, the BSA is a registered charity that organises major initiatives across the UK, including National Science & Engineering Week, the annual British Science Festival, regional and local events, the CREST Awards and other programmes for young people in schools and colleges. The BSA also organises specific activities for professional science communicators, including a specialist conference and training. For more information, please visit www.britishscienceassociation.org
