Science Fiction/Futures III: Return of the Storyteller

“The anthropologists got it wrong when they named our species Homo sapiens ('wise man'). In any case it's an arrogant and bigheaded thing to say, wisdom being one of our least evident features. In reality, we are Pan narrans, the storytelling chimpanzee … if you understand the power of story, and learn to detect abuses of it, you might actually deserve the appellation Homo sapiens. ” – Terry Pratchett, Ian Stewart and Jack Cohen, The Science of Discworld (1999)

Building on our first two Science Fiction/Futures events, this session will delve into the profound impact of storytelling on strategic thinking for defence and national security. This session will feature leading experts, authors, and strategic thinkers as they explore the intersection of fiction and reality. Can science fiction inspire new approaches to complex challenges and foster a culture of creativity and resilience within the defence and space sectors? How do the stories we tell today influence the policies and innovations of tomorrow?

Speakers for the evening are:

• Bronwyn Lovell, PhD, Science Fiction Scholar and Poet, University of South Australia

• A/Prof Christopher Bronk, Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Cybersecurity, The University of Adelaide

• Cameron Mackness, Motion Capture and Virtual Production Specialist, Flinders University

• Patricia Dexter, A/Group Leader Systemic Design & Analysis, Defence Science and Technology Group

• Dr Ksenia Ivanova, Collaborative Technology Foresight Lead, Defence Science and Technology Group

PROGRAM
17:30 - Arrival
18:00 - Introduction & Presentations
19:15 - Food and Networking
20:30 - Close

VENUE
The Cumberland Arms
The Cumberland Room, Level 1 (via stairs), 205 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA 5000