Can We Survive Technology?

Embassy of Hungary in London

A panel discussion revisiting John von Neumann’s legacy in the age of AI, quantum computing and global challenges and networking reception.

Embassy of Hungary

Seventy years after John von Neumann’s groundbreaking essay “<a href="https://sseh.uchicago.edu/doc/von_Neumann_1955.pdf" title="https://sseh.uchicago.edu/doc/von_Neumann_1955.pdf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Can We Survive Technology?</a>”, the questions he posed feel more urgent than ever. How do we govern powerful technologies? What does game theory reveal about today’s geopolitical landscape? Can AI and quantum breakthroughs help secure a sustainable future — or accelerate new risks?Join us for an interdisciplinary panel discussion honouring von Neumann’s legacy and the 70th anniversary of his essay “Can We Survive Technology?”. Four academics from different fields will explore how his ideas continue to shape contemporary thinking across physics, artificial intelligence, economics, and sustainability.The panel discussion will be followed by a networking reception featuring Christmas-themed Hungarian delicacies, regional wines, and mulled wine.Topics will include:- The governance and ethical implications of emerging and powerful technologies.- The role of game theory in understanding contemporary economic and geopolitical dynamics.- Advances in artificial intelligence, quantum physics, and their potential societal impact.- The relationship between technological innovation, sustainability, and climate adaptation. Organised by the Embassy of Hungary in London in collaboration with <a href="https://www.haba.org.hu/" title="https://www.haba.org.hu/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">HABA</a> (Hungarian Association of British Alumni) and the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lsesuhunsoc/?hl=en" title="https://www.instagram.com/lsesuhunsoc/?hl=en" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">LSESU Hungarian Society</a>, this event brings together leading academics and practitioners to reflect on the scientific, ethical, and geopolitical implications of fast-advancing technologies.Speakers:Opening remarks:H.E. Dr Ferenc Kumin – Ambassador of Hungary to the United Kingdom Dr Ferenc Kumin has served as Hungary’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom since 2020. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the Budapest University of Economic Sciences and has extensive experience in diplomacy and public administration.Moderator:Ananyo Bhattacharya – Science Writer and Researcher Ananyo Bhattacharya is Chief Science Writer at the <a href="https://lims.ac.uk/ananyo-bhattacharya/" title="https://lims.ac.uk/ananyo-bhattacharya/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">London Institute for Mathematical Sciences</a> and the author of <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/313705/the-man-from-the-future-by-bhattacharya-ananyo/9780241398869" title="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/313705/the-man-from-the-future-by-bhattacharya-ananyo/9780241398869" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">The Man from the Future: The Visionary Life of John von Neumann</a>. A former science correspondent for The Economist and Nature, he specialises in communicating complex scientific ideas to broad audiences. He studied Physics at Oxford and did his PhD in protein crystallography at Imperial College London.Panellists:Anna <a href="https://behive.consulting/about-us/#team" title="https://behive.consulting/about-us/#team" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Emese Takács</a> – Head of Data Science, <a href="https://behive.consulting/about-us/" title="https://behive.consulting/about-us/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">BeHive Consulting</a> Anna Emese Takács received her MSc in Data Science from Columbia University. She is the Data Science Engagement Lead at BeHive Consulting, a specialist in payment industry, and has been named among the Top 50 Women in AI in Hungary by the Hungarian Society for Intelligent Technologies (HTE).Professor <a href="https://austen.uk/" title="https://austen.uk/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Austen Lamacraft </a>– <a href="https://www.phy.cam.ac.uk/profile/prof-austen-lamacraft/" title="https://www.phy.cam.ac.uk/profile/prof-austen-lamacraft/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Professor of Theoretical Physics</a>, University of Cambridge Professor Austen Lamacraft’s research focuses on quantum many-body physics and the connections between physics and machine learning. He teaches and supervises within the <a href="https://www.phy.cam.ac.uk/profile/prof-austen-lamacraft/" title="https://www.phy.cam.ac.uk/profile/prof-austen-lamacraft/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Cavendish Laboratory</a> at the University of Cambridge and contributes to advancing theoretical understanding of complex quantum systems.<a href="https://www.xprize.org/people/georgia-rolfe" title="https://www.xprize.org/people/georgia-rolfe" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Georgia Rolfe </a>– Climate Adaptation Technologies Specialist, Cambridge Consultants Georgia Rolfe leads the climate adaptation and resilience initiative at Cambridge Consultants, focusing on the role of technology in building sustainable and climate-resilient systems. Her work explores how innovation can support environmental sustainability and mitigate the risks posed by climate change.Professor <a href="https://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/about-jesus-college/our-community/people/professor-peter-eso/" title="https://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/about-jesus-college/our-community/people/professor-peter-eso/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Péter Eső </a>– Associate Professor of Economics, Jesus College, University of Oxford Dr Péter Eső is Associate Professor of Economics, Roger Hugh Fellow, and Tutor in Economics at Jesus College, University of Oxford. His research centres on microeconomic theory and game theory, examining strategic behaviour and decision-making under uncertainty. He is also co-founder of the student-voted John von Neumann Award, recognising contributions to the social sciences.Agenda:Opening remarks by H.E. Ferenc Kumin Hungary’s Ambassador to the Court of St. James’s, followed by an introduction to the world and impact of von Neumann by Ananyo Bhattacharya. The four panellists will then take part in a moderated panel discussion and explore key questions about technological governance, ethical innovation, and the geopolitical implications of emerging technologies. Then the audience will have the opportunity to join a moderated Q&amp;A.Agenda:<ul><li>16:00 – Registration and seating</li><li>16:10 – Welcome by H.E. Ferenc Kumin,</li><li>16:15 – Opening remarks by Ananyo Bhattacharya</li><li>16:30 – Panel discussion</li><li>17:15 – Audience Q&amp;A</li><li>17:45 -Reception</li></ul>Disclaimer:Attendance at the event is free of charge, but advance registration is required.By registering, participants acknowledge that photographs may be taking during the event.GDPR note: The organisers do not share individual contact details with third parties.

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Can We Survive Technology?

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