Transhumanism in the UK, 2008-2012: Hopes and fears, opportunities and risks - a series of provocative short presentations (15 minute each), followed by group discussion.
The next ExtroBritannia event is scheduled for Saturday the 15th of March 2008, 2pm-4pm. Venue: Room 538 (on the fifth floor), Birkbeck College, Torrington Square, London WC1E 7HX. The event is free and everyone’s welcome.
Questions to be considered will include: What changes are feasible in the UK, regarding attitudes towards transhumanism and progress with specific H+ projects, between now and 2012? What role can interested individuals play in regard to these projects? What could go wrong - and how can we guard against these drawbacks?
The panel of presenters include:
Anders Sandberg, Neuroethics researcher at the Future of Humanity Institute, Oxford University;
Ben Zaiboc, UKTA, London;
David Wood, UKTA, London.
Discussion is likely to continue after the event in a nearby pub, for those who are able to stay. There's also the option of joining some of the UKTA regulars for drinks/lunch beforehand, starting c. 12.30, in "The Friend At Hand" pub which is situated behind Russell Square tube station on Herbrand Street. If it's your first ExtroBritannia look out for a copy of Ending Aging on display on our table.
More details of the venue:
Room 538 is in the main Birkbeck College building, known as the Malet Street building, but the entrance is in Torrington Square. Note that Torrington Square is pedestrian-only.
Here's how to reach the lecture room from the nearby Russell Square tube station (this may sound long but it will take less than 10 minutes):
Come out of the tube station and turn left, to walk west along Bernard Street. Cross over first Herbrand St then Woburn Place and continue to walk roughly westwards, keeping to the north side of Russell Square. Cross Bedford Way, and turn right into Thornhaugh St, then immediately left to enter Torrington Square through the pedestrian-only courtyard outside SOAS (the School of Oriental and African Studies). Veer slightly right and you'll see the main entrance to Birkbeck College on the left hand side as you walk up Torrington Square. Take the lift to the fifth floor and then follow the signs to room 538.
