London Futurists

How can we assess the evidence for and against the different treatments and medical interventions that are claimed to significantly extend healthspan and lifespan? Which theories could shed light on which treatments are more likely to prove effective?

For example, what are we to make of claims for the rejuvenation properties of young blood?

Related: how can we make best use of fast-changing AI capabilities, to increase our understanding, at both individual and societal levels, of potential ways to improve our healthspan?

And how can we organise our use of AIs so that their development and deployment is likely to be safe, rather than destructive?

In this informal gathering in Ye Olde Cock Tavern in Fleet Street, we'll be joined by Steve Becht-Buss from Oregon, who has plenty to say on all the above topics.

Steve is a long-time remote supporter of London Futurists, an enterprise data architect and AI developer, and a renowned independent researcher into longevity and healthspan.

What were the most significant developments at the first
UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance, held in Geneva, 6-7 July?

What was missing or underrepresented during the Dialogue?

What are credible next steps, ahead of follow-up meetings scheduled for New York (May 2027) & Geneva (June 2027)?

These are among the questions in a GAIGANow virtual panel taking place via Zoom on Wednesday 29th July 2026, 2:00 PM – 3.15 PM BST.

The panellists include:

• Prof. Maria João Rodrigues – Chair of the Advisory Board, Re-imagine Europa
• Dr Supheakmungkol Sarin – Chief Research Officer, AI Safety Asia
• More panellists to be annnounced
• with commentary by Prof. Stuart Russell – President of IASEAI (International Association for Safe & Ethical AI)

The panel will be moderated by

• David Wood – Chair of London Futurists, Member of the GAIGANow Steering Committee

The Technoprogressive Opportunity is a two-day in-person conference in Central London (SE1), organised by the IEET and London Futurists, on the subject of "The future of ethics and emerging technologies".

Brief description
We live in a time of dramatic changes in the capabilities of technologies. Political and social norms are being disrupted as never before. The future is deeply uncertain. Humanity faces a bewildering mix of risks of catastrophe. But we also have the potential to transition to a new state of civilisation – a new relationship with technology and the environment – featuring unparalleled increases in all-round flourishing.

In this state of confusion and turmoil, how can society reach the wisest decisions about which technologies to encourage and which to constrain? How can society ensure that these decisions are followed in practice, rather than being ignored or subverted by powerful short-sighted forces? How can a technoprogressive coalition grow in strength, as a decisive counter to existing worldviews which are more likely to leave humanity diminished, fragmented, or even extinct?

These are the questions at the heart of the technoprogressive opportunity.

Registration
There will be no charge to attend, or for morning and afternoon refreshments.