New Scientist Dwell 2024: What we’re most enthusiastic about seeing this yr

New Scientist Dwell, the world’s best competition of concepts and discovery, is returning to ExCeL London from Saturday 12 till Sunday 13 October, with a devoted Faculties’ Day on Monday 14 October. There’s a beautiful lineup of greater than 60 audio system, 5 phases and a wide selection of exhibitors and experiences. Whether or not you have an interest in synthetic intelligence, bizarre animals, cutting-edge astrophysics or the most effective issues to eat for mind well being, there can be one thing to entertain and educate you, however here’s what eight members of the New Scientist editorial workers are most trying ahead to seeing.

Leah Crane
Senior reporter
That is my fifth New Scientist Dwell, and it has by no means been something lower than pleasant. The factor I’m most excited for is on Sunday, when Chelsea Whyte and I are placing on a reside episode of our podcast with New Scientist, Useless Planets Society. It’s a barely unhinged podcast the place we take wild hypotheticals about find out how to tinker with the cosmos and topic them to the scrutiny of precise science, with the assistance of a particular visitor who’s an precise scientist. This yr we’re going to play an interactive sport about wrecking the universe, and it guarantees to be extraordinarily enjoyable. Other than that, I’m excited to satisfy some robots and listen to a number of talks exterior of my standard bailiwick, from dinosaur behaviour to the evolution of free will.

Rowan Hooper
Podcast editor
Two in 5 of the world’s crops are threatened with extinction, but most individuals aren’t conscious of the issue due to what’s generally referred to as “plant blindness”. Chris Thorogood, who’s deputy director of the Oxford Botanic Backyard, is on a mission to boost the profile of crops and restore our imaginative and prescient. At New Scientist Dwell, I’m trying ahead to listening to him describe an epic expedition to Indonesia to research one of many world’s most extraordinary crops: Rafflesia, generally referred to as the stinking corpse lily. The plant produces the biggest flower on this planet (a metre throughout), which emits the scent of rotting meat. It has no roots or leaves, as an alternative parasitising a bunch plant and flowering when it wants to breed. As Chris says, Rafflesia is a fraudster and a thief, and I can’t wait to listen to extra about it.

Tim Boddy
Image editor
Whereas formally a cat individual, I’ve discovered myself terribly enthusiastic about Rachel Casey’s speak on the essential position that canines play in our lives. I’ll offset this with a speak about all issues human, with David Robson on the legal guidelines of social connection. David has been on a improbable run of delicate and transferring writing for New Scientist about human relationships and the psychological obstacles that have an effect on our day-to-day.

I additionally can not wait to see New Scientist workers members Bethan Ackerley and Alison Flood on a panel with our former editor Emily Wilson, debating “what’s the best science fiction novel of all time?” on the at all times partaking Have interaction Stage. I’m anticipating stomach laughs, and for it to get significantly heated. Away from talks and panels, I’m intrigued and mildly scared by the Unbelievable Oceans expertise, the place there’s a promise to rise up shut and private with the giants of the ocean.

Carissa Wong
Well being reporter
I’m excited to listen to Kimberley Wilson’s speak on what to eat to spice up our mind well being, in addition to Venki Ramakrishnan’s insights on why we die. After these, it’ll be a troublesome selection between David Spiegelhalter on how uncertainty influences our lives or listening to Adam Rutherford talk about human origins and the way science is usually a weapon in opposition to racism. I’m additionally trying ahead to internet hosting the Thoughts and Physique Stage on the Sunday, the place Camilla Nord will speak in regards to the science behind psychological well being and Robin Dunbar and his colleagues will focus on the psychology of group dynamics – human behaviour is at all times fascinating!

Obomate Briggs
Trainee video producer
This yr I’m trying ahead to the talks on the Future Stage, significantly Christopher French’s exploration of anomalistic psychology. It’s a sub-discipline I hadn’t heard about, however as an avid watcher of exhibits and movies containing paranormal phenomena, I’m fascinated by the concept that science can present a proof for seemingly supernatural occasions. Christopher guarantees to disclose how psychological components can affect our notion of extraordinary experiences, and it will likely be fascinating to observe him dissect examples of spooky goings-on.

On the identical stage is Anne Coxon’s speak evaluating and contrasting the media portrayal of forensic science with actuality. Having been very near turning into a forensic scientist due to the masterpiece that’s Silent Witness, I’m trying ahead to discovering out whether or not I can be upset or proud of my selection.

Alexandra Thompson
Assistant information editor
That is my third time at New Scientist Dwell, and I’m thrilled to be internet hosting the Thoughts and Physique stage on Faculties’ Day. Over the weekend I’ll be attending as a visitor and can you’ll want to catch Nobel prizewinner Venki Ramakrishnan explaining why we die – and what we are able to do about it. And amid the seemingly unending debate over whether or not we really have free will, it will likely be fascinating to listen to Kevin Mitchell’s take… however am I genuinely selecting to attend his speak? Whereas I rush across the phases and different experiences on the present, hopefully having a experience on the rollercoaster simulator, I’ll additionally cease off to listen to Vincent Deary clarify the need of relaxation and rest… you don’t have to inform me twice.

Eleanor Parsons
Chief subeditor
I stay up for New Scientist Dwell yearly, not solely to satisfy so many fantastic readers but additionally for the fascinating talks on supply. This yr I’m going to make a beeline to the Our Planet stage on Sunday afternoon to hearken to David Hone speak about dinosaur behaviour. I learn his pleasant interview in New Scientist and may’t wait to search out out extra about how these prehistoric beasts lived.

As soon as David has completed, I plan to remain put to ensure I bag a seat for the always-popular Alice Roberts. Alice is a improbable and interesting speaker, and this yr she’s speaking about life, dying and illness within the Center Ages, a interval of historical past that has lengthy fascinated me.

Matthew Sparkes
Know-how reporter
I’m excited to catch Neil Lawrence’s speak on the distinction between human and machine intelligence, and the way AI might be safely utilized in on a regular basis life.

I converse to so many cutting-edge researchers about AI and listen to wildly various opinions about the place the present increase in analysis will take us and what the dangers and advantages are. I could not at all times be satisfied by an opinion, however any time I hear an professional speak I come away with a larger understanding.

New Scientist has revealed plenty of tales in regards to the harms that AI can do and the issues that want fixing within the discipline, however Neil appears to have a extra optimistic stance than another consultants. He believes that our fears of being changed by AI could be misplaced, and he guarantees to speak extra about that, which I hope is as convincing as it will be comforting to listen to.