Royal Institution "Alive: what life is, how it works, and why it matters"

This is a theatre and livestream talk from the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Melanie Challenger is joined by a panel of guests to discuss the science behind one of the most fundamental questions in the world; What does it mean to be alive?

ADVANCE BOOKING AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TALK.
More details and booking instructions on the RI web site:

https://www.rigb.org/whats-on/alive-what-life-how-it-works-and-why-it-matters

SUMMARY
Living beings are not machines, but embodied, self-organising entities whose activity is directed towards staying alive. In this thought-provoking conversation, author Melanie Challenger is joined by biochemist Nick Lane and science writer Philip Ball to explore some of the most fundamental questions in science and philosophy.

Drawing on Melanie’s new book ‘Alive’, alongside Nick and Philip’s own research, the discussion ranges from the origins of life and the energetic principles that sustain it to emerging ideas about agency, individuality and what distinguishes living beings from inert matter.

Together, they will consider whether recent advances in biology are changing our understanding of life, undermining older ideas of life-forms either gene-driven machines or something more. Join Melanie, Nick and Philip as they approach these questions from different perspectives, and ask what it means to think of living beings as embodied and purposive in their own right.

Copies of Melanie's book "Alive: what life is, how it works, and why it matters" will be available for purchase after the talk.

This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online.

The livestream will go live around 6.55pm, and the talk will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.

For more information on livestreams, see the information below, or visit our FAQs page. Please use the event link you have been provided with.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants.