‘Superhuman’ is the theme for the 8 Annual Robert Boyle Summer School which runs in Waterford city (Tower Hotel) and Lismore from June 20 to 23. It will demonstrate how Science and Technology are catching up with mythology and we are now poised to create Superhumans.
World-leading
Come join the Robert Boyle Summer School at Boyle’s birthplace in Lismore to hear world-leading commentators on the potentials and perils of this brave new world with superhero science, performance enhancement, genetic modification, designer babies, bionics, memory and superintelligence. In the 17th century, Robert Boyle wrote a list of predictions for the future. Starting with the 'prolongation of life' several of the items involved enhancement of the human body and performance. Now, technologies are emerging that can create superhumans.
The engaging Robert Boyle Summer School includes the perfect mix of interesting talks, panel discussions and debate as well as social events. The highlight will be a garden party in stunning Lismore Castle, the birthplace of Robert Boyle with baroque music, local artisan food by Eunice Power and Robert Boyle Gin cocktails from the local Blackwater Distillery.
Possibilities
The gathering will consider the possibilities and perils of human modification and performance enhancement. Leading experts will also explore genetic modification, designer babies, bionics, prolonging life and implications for humanity.
Speakers this year including:
Prof Niall Moyna (DCU), known for his work with television shows, Operation Transformation and Doctor in the House;
Prof Luke O’Neill (TCD), author of “Humanology” and regular radio contributor on Pat Kenny show;
Nuala Clarke, an artist who divides her time between Mayo and New York and has researched Robert Boyle’s book of experiments on colour to create her latest exhibition;
Waterford native Prof Annraoi de Paor (UCD), a pioneer of biomedical engineering in Ireland who will talk about Superhumans in Irish Mythology.
Neuroscientist Prof Tomás Ryan (TCD) will probe the future of human evolution, that may be accelerated with technology.
Prof Madeleine Lowery (UCD) will describe developments such as robotic limbs, bionic eyes, exoskeletons, electronic nerve implants and brain-computer interfaces that are being developed to assist the ill and infirm.
Dr Oliver Feeney (NUIG) will look at the ethical issues for a society facing this brave new world.
The annual cultural Summer School was established in 2012 and is organised by Calmast at WIT and Lismore Heritage Centre, with support of Lismore Castle, the Robert Boyle Foundation, interested groups and professional bodies and industry in the region. It is Ireland's only science-themed summer school.
More details on www.robertboyle.ie or https://www.facebook.com/BoyleSummerSchool