The Cybernetics Conversation 2025

The purpose of the event is to stimulate conversation, exploration and learning about the breadth and depth of cybernetics in theory and practice. This is not a conventional academic 'conference' but an event where attendees directly engage with the material and the people, develop their own pathway through it and take responsibility for their own learning.

We will embrace as many dimensions as possible: robotics, AI, design, organisation, art, music and the philosophies of cybernetics and systems. Broadly, the emerging themes this year are:

“Cybernetics and……

1: Technology and Dystopia

2: Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy (inspired by medicine and healthcare but not constrained to it)

3: Governance, Stakeholder Interest and Evolving Organisation (what IS an organisation?)

4: Uncertainty and Decision-Making

5: The State of Democracy and the Democracy of the State"

And, of course there are many sub-themes within each………..

Professor Andrew Pickering has committed to join us and details of the timing of that session will be shared as soon as possible.

Day 1 (11:00 onwards) will start proceedings with an outline of the whole event and will introduce each of the themes.

Days 2 and 3 will consist of sessions introducing and exploring various dimensions of cybernetic theory and practice with explorations of challenges and issues confronting us (initial suggestions include climate change, nuclear considerations, tribal dynamics, cybernetics of time and place). As possible contributions emerge we will shape the building of the event AND it is likely to evolve as it is delivered.

Day 3 finishes at around 1300 with collective reflection and sense-making, designed to consider what has happened, what has been learned and shared and, perhaps, identify areas for development.

A detailed programme is in development and will be published as soon as available.

About the Venue

This event is taking place at the Centre of Information Management, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, England. Participants are encouraged to stay in accommodation close. Accommodation is not included in the registration fee. But available places for participants to book themselves include a Premier Inn, a Travelodge (each within a mile of the campus)and 3 hotels on the Univesity campus, and of course many local B&B facilities. Car parking (chargeablke but reasonable) is available on site.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided with your registration to this event. This will include vegetarian, meat and fish options but please advise us of any other dietary restrictions by contacting the Cybernetics Society Secretary secretary@cybsoc.org at least 14 days before the event starts (i.e. 16th June latest). Breakfasts and evening meals are not included in the registration fee.

Registration Information

This event will be 'in real life' generating the best learning experience for all and the most enjoyment.

Participants may register for either one day (Tuesday) or all (Monday-Wednesday). We recommend attending the whole as the event is designed holistically and interactively unfolding over its course.

Discounted registration rates are available to Cybernetics Society Members, Centre for Information Management (CIM) & Loughborough University Staff, as well as students (both Cybsoc members and non-members).

A bursary option is available for members or non-members who may struggle to attend for financial reasons but would like to. Please email the Cybernetics Society Secretary secretary@cybsoc.org to request permission to book this option at least 14 days before the event starts (i.e. 16th June latest). I.e. this option won't be available after 16th June 2025.

Non-Member Participants paying the full registration fee will automatically be enrolled a Associate Members of the Society until the end of the 2025 membership year. You will need to enter information into our membership system but we will send you the link to do that.

About the Cybernetics Society

The Cybernetics Society promotes and offers education and research opportunities in the rich field of cybernetics. In the CybSights series, including the Cybernetics Live Series, we offer insghts conversations, lectures, case studies, analysis, education, and thoughtful entertainment.,

The Cybernetics Society – http://CybSoc.org – is a specially authorised learned society regulated by the FSA and established by a 1974 Act of Parliament.

Cybernetics plays into and strongly influences many scientific and practice fields including design, epistemology, ecology, biology, psychology and living behaviour, technology and engineering, social policy, and business practice.

Cybernetics offers a distinct "go" — techniques — to address local and global challenges of the 21st century.