Interdisciplinary International Symposium at Durham University
The “Grounding the SETI and UAP Debate: Law, Evidence, and Anticipated Futures” symposium is highlighted in a recent Guardian article by Professor Michael Bohlander. This event promises to cover a variety of captivating topics!
In the article titled “UFOs have earned a new name – and should be objects of serious study,” Professor Bohlander, who holds the Chair in Global Law and SETI Policy at Durham Law School, invites interest in this symposium scheduled for April 24 at Durham University—one of the UK’s top institutions, regularly ranked among the top 5 universities in the UK and top 100 in the world.
Here’s an overview of the agenda:
Symposium Title: Grounding the SETI and UAP Debate: Law, Evidence, and Anticipated Futures
Session 1
– Philippe Ailleris (ESA): Towards a Systematic Framework for UAP Evidence Evaluation: Introducing The Rainier Scale
– Mike Cifone: Down to Earth: Characterizing the Landscape of (Scientific) UAP Studies
– Beatriz Villaroel (Nordita): Searches for Near-Earth Extraterrestrial Artifacts with Hypothesis-Driven Science
– Q & A
Session 2
– Chris Senn: Structuring Archiving and Search Parameters for the “Archives of the Impossible”
– Andreas Anton (with Michael Bohlander and John Elliott): Global Survey: Contact with Extraterrestrial Intelligence – First Results
– Christian Peters: Alien Minds and the Problems of a Political Epistemology of the UAP Phenomenon
– Q & A
– Eric Hilgendorf: Contemplating the Alien – The Impact of SETI on Human Self-Image
– Michael Bohlander: Alien Encounter Narratives in the Courts – Part 2: Findings
– Jia Wang: Monopolizing High-Tech in the Hands of Powerful Humans After Contact with Extraterrestrial Civilizations
– Q & A
Edit: It’s worth noting that Durham previously hosted an event on this topic in March 2023. You can learn more about it here.
This symposium is sure to advance our understanding of these fascinating intersections of law, evidence, and extraterrestrial inquiry!
This symposium at Durham University certainly sounds intriguing! The interdisciplinary approach to the SETI and UAP debate is vital, especially as we grapple with complex questions about life beyond Earth. The diverse topics covered—from evidence evaluation with the Rainier Scale to the legal implications of extraterrestrial encounters—could provide essential insights into how society might navigate the realities of potential contact.
It’s fascinating that experts from various fields, like philosophy, astronomy, and law, are coming together to create a more robust framework for understanding UAPs and extraterrestrial life. The inclusion of sessions that explore historical narratives and the societal reactions to the idea of contact with extraterrestrial intelligence shows a comprehensive effort to address these multifaceted issues.
Additionally, the 2023 event on “alien conversations” suggests that Durham is committed to leading discourse in this area, which is encouraging for future research and policy-making. I’m looking forward to seeing how the discussions and findings from this symposium might influence both academic and public perceptions of UAPs and SETI. Thank you for sharing this information!