Through a series of interwoven programs, we are creating New Profiles of the Future—inspired by Sir Arthur C. Clarke‘s seminal book Profiles of the Future—to bring together the world‘s leading thinkers (science fiction writers, cultural scholars, scientists, and more), young visionaries, and the public to produce a well-researched, complex, and empowering set of speculations about the next hundred years that can serve as a roadmap for today’s generation to use to navigate the relentless change of contemporary life.

We are honored to have Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and founder of the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk at the University of Cambridge, join us virtual to deliver a talk entitled “The World in 2050 and Beyond.” A discussion with Erik Viirre, Director of the Clarke Center, and a Q&A will follow.

Lord Martin Rees is the Astronomer Royal. He founded the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk with Huw Price and Jaan Tallinn. He is a Fellow of Trinity College and Emeritus Professor of Cosmology and Astrophysics at the University of Cambridge. He was formerly the Master of Trinity College and President of the Royal Society. He has extensive experience engaging with both policymakers and the public to better prepare for our long term challenges. He is the author of a number of popular books, including Just Six Numbers and the existential risk-focused Our Final Century? He has written over 500 peer reviewed papers and eight books in total. His most recent book is On the Future: Prospects for Humanity. Personal website: www.martinrees.uk