Talks and shows

The Life Scientific: Jim Al-Khalili in conversation with Mike Wooldridge

Join the live recording of  BBC Radio 4 programme The Life Scientific, with Jim Al-Khalili and CHRISTMAS LECTURER Mike Wooldridge.

BBC Life Scientific

Sentient computers; autonomous machines; robots with the potential to overthrow humankind… traditionally the stuff of sci-fi novels and horror movie plots. But, thanks to recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and ensuing public debate, this dystopian future might seem closer than ever.

As the rhetoric ramps up, Mike Wooldridge – Professor of Computer Science at the University of Oxford and presenter of this year’s Royal Institution Christmas Lectures series – reveals why he remains resolutely positive about the future of AI.

In a specially recorded conversation for the popular Radio 4 programme The Life Scientific, Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to Mike about his life and career in computer research, and how he believes this technology can ultimately transform the world for the better.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

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For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Jim Al-Khalili

Jim Al-Kalili
Image credit: Wikimedia

Jim Al-Khalili is Distinguished Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Surrey and one of Britain’s best-known science communicators. He has written numerous books, including 'The World According to Physics' (Princeton), 'Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed' and 'Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology'. He is a fellow of the Royal Society.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 7.00pm. The event will begin at 7.30pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

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Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions