Disruptive Technologies, Disrupted Environment: Can*Con’s Inaugural Science Literacy Track
Since 2012, Can*Con has focused on being a premiere destination for looking at cutting-edge science fiction and fantasy literature, with an accent and special programming to the sciences, delivered by active researchers. In 2019, Can*Con wanted to reach past its established successes and emphasize the relevance of science fiction as a way to imagine the future.
So with the assistance of a generous grant from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Can*Con is launching a new science literacy track. The goal is to assemble in researchers, futurists, ethicists, economists and journalists to look at where science, technology and climate are carrying the world, and what we need to do prepare for the future. This means thinking about education policy, labour policy, transportation and infrastructure policy, trade policy, and many other areas. We want to expose science fiction writers to the driving forces that society, including policy makers and voters, will need to come to terms with to have a future world that is habitable and a future society that is fair.
Deborah Raji, a Fellow at the AI Now Institute, has been recognized for her work on racial bias in artificial intelligence systems that are already implemented and running. Brock Dickinson is an expert in regional economic development working at the intersection of today’s labour market as it meets the technological future. Stephen Leahy is an internationally renowned climate journalist able to speak on the edges of global warming and water crises. These three experts will be the inaugural Science Literacy Guests of Honour and will each have a keynote presentation, followed by panel discussions with writers, ethicists and futurists to help us think about how we prepare for the future.
Understanding and knowing what scientists gives voters and policy makers a glimpse into the future. Science literacy is as important as literacy and numeracy. Science fiction writers are perfectly situated to use their art to communicate to the public, to put the implications of the future into engaging, emotional narratives. We hope that everyone enjoys this addition to what Can*Con offers, and answers in their own way whether we should fear the future.
Derek Künsken
Co-Chair, Programming
Marie Bilodeau
Co-Chair, Corporate