Overview
The unprecedented acceleration of science and technology is profoundly impacting our understanding of what makes us human, how we live together in society, and how we and interact with each other and the planet. For example, neurotechnology advances are blurring the lines between humans and machines, with brain-computer interfaces promising treatments for neurological disorders but also raising questions about cognitive rights and mental privacy.
Gene editing tools such as CRISPR highlight the tension between breakthroughs in medical therapies and potential misuse and weaponization. Quantum technologies will most certainly disrupt the cryptography that is central to our global cybersecurity systems – but may also enable the computational power to revolutionize drug discovery, decarbonization or water scarcity.
The concept of Anticipatory Science Diplomacy integrates scientific insight and anticipation into global governance processes, reflecting the growing need to govern emerging breakthroughs - from AI and quantum computing to neurotechnology, synthetic biology, climate technologies or space resources - before they become disruptive or exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions or societal inequalities.
Rather than reacting to science and technology developments, how can governments, business and citizens can work with researchers to proactively identify opportunities and risks, develop ethical frameworks, and forge international consensus for governance and deployment?
Speaker
Dr Marga Gual Soler is a Spanish science diplomat, researcher and educator dedicated to bridging the worlds of science, technology, and global policy. She currently serves as the Head of Science Diplomacy Capacity Building at the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), where she leads initiatives to train global leaders in anticipating and addressing future challenges in a rapidly advancing scientific landscape.
Originally trained as a molecular biologist, she transitioned into the world of multilateral diplomacy following her PhD, contributing to elevate the role of science at the United Nations in the negotiations towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Dr Gual Soler has been instrumental in shaping the EU’s science diplomacy strategy since 2016. In 2020 was recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum for her pioneering role in shaping the field of science diplomacy. Her proudest achievement was to participate in the largest-ever women in STEM expedition to Antarctica.
Details
Organised by Wolfson's Global Health Hub, this event is open to all and is free to attend - .
Light refreshments will be provided to the audience.
Access
This event will take place in the Gatsby Room on the first floor of the Chancellor's Centre. It has step-free access with a lift and there is an accessible toilet located each floor of the building.