Brave New World - NL

02/07/2025

JOIN US AT BRAVE NEW WORLD 2025 - THE FUTURE OF OPTIMISM. We’re thrilled to introduce our first lineup of thought leaders who will share their unique perspectives on the future of optimism.

We’re delighted to welcome Sumit Paul-Choudhury, former Editor-in-Chief of New Scientist, writer, and technologist. His latest book, The Bright Side: Why Optimists Have the Power to Change the World, explores how optimism can drive meaningful change.

Joining him is Payal Arora, a world-renowned digital anthropologist and expert in inclusive AI. Her latest work, From Pessimism to Promise, presents a bold counter-narrative to dominant Western perspectives that frame AI and digital technologies as harbingers of collapse. Instead, she highlights how optimism thrives in the Global South—not just as an emotion, but as a powerful strategy for survival and transformation.

We’re also pleased to welcome back Haroon Sheikh, philosopher and senior research fellow at the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy. He’ll reflect on optimism through the lens of philosophy and policy.

Celebrated German installation artist Agnes Meyer-Brandis will join us as well. Known for her internationally exhibited Moon Goose Colony, Meyer-Brandis blends science and fiction in poetic ways—raising a flock of geese to become astronauts in homage to a story by Francis Godwin.

Also returning is Slovenian artist Špela Petrič, who will share her latest work exploring the automation of care in agriculture, offering a fresh and hopeful perspective on techno-botanical futures.

Finally, we’re honored to welcome Prof. Meike Bartels, Dutch psychologist and behavioral geneticist, internationally recognized for her research on the genetics of happiness and subjective well-being. REGISTER NOW @ bravenewworld.nl

16/09/2024

Many thanks to all the speakers, partners and audience of Brave New World 2024! A great 9th edition! Hope to see you all next year!

21/08/2024

De toekomst van onverschilligheid is het thema van de conferentie die op 12 en 13 september wordt gehouden bij Naturalis. Cultuur, wetenschap, filosofie en technologie komen op die dagen samen rond dit thema. "We kijken daarbij zeker twintig jaar vooruit", zegt Alexander Mouret van de...

19/08/2024

FULL PROGRAMME BRAVE NEW WORLD 2024 IS ONLINE!

Join us to discuss the Future of Indifference!

12/13 September @ Naturalis Biodiversity Center

Don’t forget to register!

Find out more about all the speakers and how to register at www.bravenewworld.nl

Days of Art & Science, Leiden Kennisstad, Leiden&Partners, Leiden University, NWO (Dutch Research Council), Luris

19/08/2024

FULL PROGRAMME BRAVE NEW WORLD 2024 IS ONLINE!

Join us to discuss the Future of Indifference!

12/13 September @ Naturalis

Don't forget to register!

Find out more about all the speakers and how to register at www.bravenewworld.nl

Days of Art & Science, Universiteit Leiden / Leiden University, Luris, NWO, Leiden Kennisstad, Leiden&Partners

18/08/2024

17/05/2024

FIRST SPEAKERS - BRAVE NEW WORLD 24 - THE FUTURE OF INDIFFERENCE- We’re thrilled to introduce our first speakers who will share their unique perspectives on the future of indifference. We are very happy to welcome a true Renaissance Man for the 21st century Jaron Lanier who is a computer scientist, composer, artist, and author who writes on numerous topics, including the social impact of technology, the philosophy of consciousness and information, and of course indifference; interactive media designer Sabrina Verhage on how design can fight indifference; philosopher and author of the book “The Excess of Empathy” Ignaas Devisch; researcher of arts & technology Liselore Tissen MA will discuss our indifference to other cultures; professor Nolen Gertz will be returning to the conference with more views on nihilism and technology; Madelaine Ley will take us on a journey into indifference, food and online shopping; researcher and writer Joost Mollen will look at Anti-Social Robotics: when is indifference about robots morally desirable; botanical philosopher Norbert Peeters Peters will talk about our indifference to plants and Nikki Sterkenburg, Dr. an established journalist in the field of (far) right-wing extremism will discuss the danger of indifference to right wing movements.

If you want to know more about our first speakers or register for the conference, please take a look at our website. More information about the conference program and speakers will be announced in the coming months!

www.bravenewworld.nl

30/01/2024

Brave New World Conference will be held this year on 12 & 13 September at Naturalis Biodiversity Center!

The theme for this year’s event will be THE FUTURE OF INDIFFERENCE. In a world saturated with information and stimuli, why do certain subjects fail to evoke our concern? Why does indifference persist despite the pressing issues facing humanity? Can activism raise awareness among the indifferent or will it divide society to the point of apathy? Will new technology foster indifference or can it also be a powerful tool with the potential to awaken awareness? Can AI be indifferent? Do animals care about humanity? Together with scientists, artists, thinkers and industry we will take a deep dive into the world of indifference.

More info & early bird tickets -> www.bravenewworld.nl

13/07/2023

Full program Brave New World Conference 2023 is online!

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF ATTENTION?!

Check out our speakers and register here: www.bravenewworld.nl