Inspire March Lecture – Gemma Milne Talks Tech

On 22 March 2021 at 19.30, Scottish science and technology writer Gemma Milne will be the guest speaker of our second Digital ESMS Inspire Lecture.

Gemma grew up in Stirling and went on to study Mathematics at the University of St Andrews before embarking on a wide-ranging career via investment banking, advertising, journalism and teaching science and is now a PhD Researcher at UCL, focusing on the ethics and responsibility of corporate futurism. Earlier this year, Gemma published a book: ‘Smoke and Mirrors: How Hype Obscures the Future and How to See Past It’ which focuses on the role hype plays in dictating and derailing crucial progress in science and technology and how to empower yourself against it. The book has been very well received with some amazing reviews: “A really interesting read . . . thought-provoking. It shines a spotlight on issues that are all too frequently left out of the narrative around over-hyped technological innovation. For those working in science communication and general tech lovers alike, this book will certainly open your eyes to some important questions.” — Jamie Durrani, Chemistry World

Gemma is now a freelance writer, focusing on biotech, energy, space, health, advanced computing & changing the way we do academic research. She has bylines in WIRED, The Guardian, Forbes, BBC, and many others. She particularly focuses on the cultural effects of technological and scientific advancements and ponders how we can best use these technologies and inventions as a society. Gemma is also co-host of the Radical Science podcast, which interviews leading thinkers about how best to integrate science and society.

Gemma is an Expert Advisor for the European Commission, specialising in health, biotech and space, an Innovate UK Assessor, and is one of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers. She is also an advisor to SXSW and to the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Gemma is an International speaker having delivered keynotes at SXSW, TEDx, WPP Stream, Cannes Lions and Dubai Lynx, and is always keen to engage in lively debate around the topics she is set to tackle. Previously, Gemma was the Tech Innovation Strategist at Ogilvy Labs, and was responsible for connecting startups, government organisations, universities and large corporates with Ogilvy clients and agencies – all in the name of advancing the world of advertising and marketing through technology and science.

Gemma will be speaking about technological innovations, including:

– Lab-grown meat: extremely clever science, but can it really feed the world?

– Genomic therapies for cancer: personalised health, but can we count it as a ‘cure’?

– Fusion energy: unlimited clean energy, but can it really be done at scale?

To book your family ticket, please visit https://www.trybooking.co.uk/WUE. Tickets are £10 per family and will give you access to the lecture via Zoom on the day.