What is FET09, 'Science beyond Fiction'?

Top scientists from around the world, policy makers, industry representatives, and journalists will convene over three days at FET09 to discuss today´s frontier science, tomorrow´s technologies and the impact of both on tomorrow´s society. FET09 is about engagement, participation, and actionable outcomes.

FET09 seeks to fulfil two goals:

• to foster a dialogue between science, policy and society on the role and challenges of interdisciplinary ICT related long-term research towards the development of policy options for increasing Europe's creativity and innovation base
• to bridge diverse European research communities and disciplines and to stimulate the creation of new research collaborations empowering Europe to take the lead in future information technologies.

Science today, technologies tomorrow

FET09 is focussed on creating new visions and actions for future information and communication technologies based on the scientific opportunities which are with us today. The conference will explore new synergies between established disciplines such as computer science, neuroscience, biology, chemistry and economics, and emerging disciplines such as nanoscience and quantum computing, and stimulate new bridges between the exact and social sciences (e.g. ethology, arts, humanities).

Giving meaning to what lays ahead

Some of today´s radical ideas and trends will become the everyday reality of tomorrow. In the transition to our future, many technological and societal opportunities await us if we can filter what is important, elicit the meaning of what is possible and create what is desirable. Over three days, FET09 proposes a creative conversation to give scientists and policy-makers the opportunity to give meaning to what lies ahead of us.

Hosting conversations and building communities

FET09 will bring together outstanding international keynote speakers presenting challenging and groundbreaking visions for long-term research in information and communication technologies, exciting sessions on emerging technologies aimed at a cross-disciplinary audience and panel discussions on challenges for science, society and science policy. An interactive open-space and exhibition will feature demonstrations of the latest t(h)ink(er)ing in the labs, and provide an opportunity for spontaneous interactions and sessions. A stimulating evening programme will provide an entertaining and lively backdrop to our interdisciplinary conversations.