It seems like ages since the last Nature Debate. As I’m no longer employed by Nature, I can now say with complete impartiality and disinterest that these occasional debates are among the most stimulating in town. The next one is on 21 September and marries together ideas scientific and pecuniary.
The 1980s saw the rise of the ‘rocket scientists’ of finance – as engineers, mathematicians and physicists rejected careers in science and technology and instead opted to work for banks. What part did they play in the financial crisis? And what is the future of science in finance? Join leading experts from science and banking as they debate whether the crisis was the result of bankers and regulators failing to grasp complicated, expert knowledge; and whether scientific knowledge – in particular fields such as complex systems, ecological economics and human behaviour – could help to ensure that economies are better understood and better regulated.
And those leading experts? Physicist turned financial mathematician Tim Johnson (Heriot-Watt University, researcher, entrepreneur and journalist John Browning, and Nature Consulting Editor Ehsan Masood.
Inject your own fiscal stimulus into the local economy by buying a ticket today. As usual, I’ll be along for the show if anyone fancies a wee tipple in the Rotunda bar before or after.
Sounds interesting Matt. Will the debate be broadcast anywhere for those of us who are too far away to go to it?
Sadly, I don’t think they record them. I’ll write up the key points here.
Sounds good, but I wish the brilliant Ann Pettifor were speaking. I met her at a UKRC4SET evening at the Institute of Physics recently, and she talks more common sense in this area than anyone I’ve encountered.
Thanks for this, Matt. I am going to do my best to get there and take part, including your offer of a drink. (oops ;-) )
I agree with you, Maxine, that it would be great to have Ann there.
Does everyone agree that the experts listed are “leading” ones in this area?
I have been told that I am being unfair about the speakers. If so, I hope that everyone accepts my apologies, for it was unintended.
Hi, what time does the event end? I am coming but have to plan my journey back to Yorkshire that night…
Ruth
Ruth – they typically wrap up around 8.30.
For those who were at the discussion on the financial crisis on Monday night, do try and read this linked posting and watch the too short clip that is included and perhaps you will be as angry as I was Monday night.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/barack-obama-must-see-mic_b_293407.html
Arianna is right on the money, as it were, this time.