Past event
Making Waves Lecture Series: Dr John Elliott The SETI Post Detection Hub - Preparing science and society for the discovery of extra-terrestrial life
As part of the Making Waves Lecture Series, Development presents the next event with Dr John Elliott, who will discuss The SETI Post Detection Hub – Preparing science and society for the discovery of extra-terrestrial life.
Dr Elliott is an Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Computer Science and the Coordinator for the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Post Detection Hub at the University of St Andrews.
In this talk, Dr Elliott explores one of the most profound questions humanity has ever asked: are we alone in the Universe? Amongst many new discoveries, our technology now reveals that there are hundreds of billions, perhaps even trillions, of other Galaxies in the observable Universe, and amongst the hundreds of billions of stars in our own Galaxy, there are hundreds of billions of planets, many that are suitable for supporting life, even as we know it.
The discovery of life beyond Earth would be an event of unparalleled significance. Preparedness for such high-impact events is crucial to our security and resilience, scientifically, socially and politically. While we cannot predict when such a discovery may occur, we can ensure that we are not caught unprepared or rudderless when it does.
Dr Elliott will introduce the pioneering work of the SETI Post Detection Hub, an international (currently unique), UK-based centre leading global efforts to coordinate scientific, societal and regulatory readiness for the detection of extraterrestrial life. Through its roadmap and framework for managing extraordinary discoveries and other global-impact events, the Hub is helping shape a future where humanity can respond with clarity, cooperation and purpose.
This event will start at 6.30pm at Royal Over-Seas League, 6 Park Place, London, SW1A 1LR.