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Human 2.0

The drive to enhance human potential is as ancient as our history itself. Some see this quest to surpass our limitations as fundamental, others regard it as dangerous arrogance. The history of human enhancements has seen dark turns, but also great insights and we now stand with many accomplishments behind us. We have catalogued the human genome, developed medical technologies that  fight deadly disease and extend human lives. We are at the dawn of regenerative medicine and the first bionic prostheses are being engineered. Humanity has intertwined the development of our bodies and minds with emerging technologies for thousands of years, but never to the extent and speed that we experience now.

Are we up to the changes that technology and knowledge bring us today? Will the future change the very essence of who we are? 

Join us on Thursday 24th as we explore what it means to be human in a world defined by technology. Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown will host three distinguished speakers:
Miguel Nicolelis, human, neuroscientist. Develops brain-machine-brain interfaces.
Domingos Henrique, human, scientist. Expert on stem cells.
Neil Harbisson, cyborg, artist, musician.

Ekaterina Vinnik was born in chilly Moscow and after studying Medicine decided
to do a PhD in neuroscience in Italy. Recently, she joined the CNP,
where she is studying how sounds cause emotional memories.

Bruno Afonso is a biologist from our beloved Lisbon. After having joined the CNP,
Bruno started studying how natural selection shaped animal behaviour and how this
allows animals to adapt to external conditions. Bruno loves worms.

Thiago Gouvêa was born in sunny Rio de Janeiro. After having studied several types of
behaviours in rodents during his degree in Biomedical Sciences, he traded Bossa Nova
for Fado and now is looking at how we decide based on the timing and content of the senses.   

The event will be free and online reservation is recommended for people interested in attending. Unfortunately, seat reservations have sold out. People with reservations MUST arrive between 20:00 and 20:55 on the evening of the event. After that, tickets will be given for people without reservations. Limited seats will be available to people without reservations on the event evening on a first come, first served basis.

Getting to the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown

The Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown is located in the beautiful Tejo waterfront of Pedrouços, near the Torre de Belém. The easiest way to get here from downtown Lisbon is by train (Linha de Cascais), exiting either at Belém or Algés. However, there's a possibility of a train strike at the event night. If this happens, there are plenty of alternatives.