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Science Speakeasy: Your Life in Robot Hands

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Older man with hand to chest, with a robot with a white robot with arms around him.

An ageing population, workforce shortages and increasing demands on social support have led to a care crisis in the UK. Over the last 25 years, social care has been the subject of umpteen government papers, reviews and commissions, but the challenges facing the sector are greater than ever. 

Could robots form part of the solution? From robot pets to humanoids that lift, wash, feed and detect falls, could “carebots” replace humans?  Or do they lack the emotional intelligence and sensitivity required for these, often intimate, roles? 

This Speakeasy is part of Life’s British Science Week programme reflecting the theme “Change and Adapt.” Attendees have the opportunity to see the beautiful art installation Luma, a giant, robotic, glowing snail – for free.  This is included in your ticket price and available before the debate only. 

Luma - the giant glowing robotic snail

Doors open: 6:30pm | Debate starts: 7:30pm

What is a Science Speakeasy?
Terms and conditions

One solution to the social care crisis?

Ticket prices

Adult (aged 18 and over) £10.00
Carer (please bring proof) FREE
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The conversations will be shaped by audience interaction, but we expect the discussion to cover:

What are robots capable of in social and care environments and what is their potential?

What are the pros and cons of carebots vs human carers?

Would robots devalue the caring professions, or create opportunities for better ways of working?

Meet our panel (more to be announced)

Dr Stevienna De Saille is a panellist at our upcoming Science Speakeasy.

Dr Stevienna de Saille

Stevienna de Saille is a Lecturer in the Department of Sociological Studies at the University of Sheffield, where she leads the ‘Human Futures’ research theme as part of the Institute for the Study of the Human (iHuman). A science and technology studies scholar, her research brings engineers, care users and local councils together to investigate the implications of introducing robots and AI into the UK’s social care system. She is also an award-winning author of “Responsibility Beyond Growth”, which argues for a different approach to the economics of innovation, and serves on the executive committee of the UK Association for Studies of Innovation, Science and Technology (AsSIST-UK). 

Yikta Graham

Professor Yitka Graham

Yitka Graham is Head of the Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute and Professor of Health Services Research at the University of Sunderland.  She has had an embedded research role at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust for the last ten years.  She carries out research focused on patient experiences of health and care, and workforce development. Central to this research is the role of technology, and how we can work with patients and professionals to dispel misconceptions and develop mutually benefical solutions to improve and advance health and care for all.

Dr Miro Griffiths MBE

Dr Miro Griffiths MBE

Dr Miro Griffiths MBE is a Disability Studies scholar and Co-Director of the Centre for Disability Studies, at the University of Leeds. His research is primarily associated with exploring disabled people’s ideas and imaginations for accessible and inclusive societies. Dr Griffiths also holds several advisory positions on disability policy, across UK government departments, local government authorities, the European Commission, and civil society organisations. He is a former strategic and confidential adviser to two UK government administrations, and a former Disability Advisory Committee member at the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Dr. Jenny Davidson

Dr Jenny Davidson (Chair)

Dr Jenny Davidson is a Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University Business School and Co-Chair of the University’s Sustainable Development Goals Committee. With over 25 years’ experience in leadership and sustainability, she advises organisations on strategy and mentors women leaders in sustainability. Previously, Jenny held senior roles at BAA Heathrow and Oxford City Council, and her teaching focuses on leadership and sustainability.

About our Science Speakeasy events...

This adult event is part of Life’s Science Speakeasy programme – a series in which important and often controversial topics are debated in a quirky and informal way.

No topic is taboo, and we ensure that all discussion is based on correct science to avoid the spread of misinformation. 

Questions to the panel are encouraged, or you can just sit back and enjoy the event. Limited tickets available. Pay bar available on the evening.

So join us under Gaia – our mesmerising 7 metre recreation of Earth – for a fun evening of lively debate.

‘The speakers were excellent and their collective knowledge of the topic was great. The debate was lively and interesting- enough to keep a non-science novice engaged. The atmosphere was relaxed and there were plenty of opportunities to ask questions.’

‘A very enjoyable event in a relaxed atmosphere. A well informed debate from very knowledgeable guests covering separate but related areas of expertise, without getting too “heavy”. A wide range of audience members provided a number of interesting questions.

‘The whole setup is excellent, and it’s lovely to be able to enjoy a night out that is original and not just another sweaty bar or expensive restaurant. It’s nice to connect with culture and knowledge.’

Getting here

Life is located in Times Square, just a two minute walk from Newcastle Central train and Metro station.

Driving? Times Square Car Park is just around the corner. The sat nav reference for the car park is NE1 4AD (opposite Jurys Inn hotel). Look out for Centre for Life and/or Times Square Car Park signage to direct you.

Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4EP
0191 243 8210
info@life.org.uk

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