Scientist

**This talk starts at 7 PM, please join us from 6:30 PM.** **The science behind paranormal phenomena** Opinion polls show the majority of the general public accepts that paranormal phenomena do occur. Such widespread experience of and belief in the paranormal can only mean one of two things. Either the paranormal is real, in which case this should be accepted by the wider scientific community which currently rejects such claims; or else belief in and experience of ostensibly paranormal phenomena can be fully explained in terms of psychological factors. **Psychological and physical explanations** This presentation will provide an introduction to the sub-discipline of anomalistic psychology, which may be defined as the study of extraordinary phenomena of behaviour and experience, in an attempt to provide non-paranormal explanations in terms of known psychological and physical factors. This approach will be illustrated with examples relating to a range of ostensibly paranormal phenomena. **Our Speaker** **Chris French** is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, where, up until 2024, he was also Head of the Anomalistic Psychology Research Unit. He retired from Goldsmiths in 2020. He is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and a patron of Humanists UK. He has published over 200 articles and chapters covering a wide range of topics within psychology. His main area of research is the psychology of paranormal beliefs and anomalous experiences. He writes for the *Guardian* and the *Skeptic* magazine. His most recent book is *[The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG)*[ (2024, MIT Press)](https://amzn.eu/d/0dFVfCYG). **Post event social** As after all our in-person talks at the Old Diorama Arts Centre, we will move on to a local pub for a post event social. So from 8:30 PM we will be going to the [Queen's Head and Artichoke](https://maps.app.goo.gl/nXy9yvWcywRM1Hir6), 30-32 Albany St, London NW1 4EA. **Payment** We ask for a **£5 donation to attend** this talk, which can be paid on the door. (Or pay what you can afford.) If you would prefer to make the £5 donation online or can't attend and would still like to support the event [p](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML71XMH66FX5E/checkout/ALWCDLQ3S7AVPLFZ62PZGXLU)[lease click here](https://square.link/u/yIrpwGDk). Alternatively you can do a transfer using our account details: Central London Humanist Group, Sort code: 30-94-25, Account number: 19143068, Reference: Talk Beacon **Please note this event will be recorded and we will take photos for publication on CLH media channels. If you do not wish to be featured in video or photographs please contact the CLH team in advance or make us aware at the event.** **Resources and FAQs** …for members, supporters, and participants in CLH activities See [here for our knowledge base](https://clhorganisers.notion.site/Central-London-Humanists-knowledge-base-7ff2374eee1e43c0938123e894f37e5f) packed with important, useful information about the group, the organisers, and what we offer the community. See [here for our code of conduct and complaints policy](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Reeh69cv38DHeBnexNwOAKoeRb2dwDM3k9xaJ2tM5EA/mobilebasic). **Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian**. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.

# Software Engineering Through Continuous Crisis: What AI Changes and What It Doesn't Join us for an exclusive Innovators Guild event exploring how AI is reshaping engineering, software development, and the future of tech careers. This session features leaders from DataArt and Marketing Pot, sharing insights from 25+ years of technological disruption. 🔗 RSVP: https://luma.com/v6yum32a 🔍 What You’ll Learn * How AI is changing the role of engineers * What “AI‑assisted development” and “vibe coding” actually mean * How delivery models are evolving in the AI era * Why software economics may shift dramatically in the next 5 years * How AI is disrupting marketing across industries * Which skills will matter most for future tech careers 🎤 Speakers **Dmitry Bagrov** — UK Managing Director, **DataArt** Bringing experience leading through the dot‑com crash, 2008 crisis, COVID, and now the generative AI wave. **Alina Zaiets** — Founder, **Marketing Pot** Former DataArt marketer, now advising B2B SaaS brands on AI‑driven marketing. 🤝 Who Should Attend Software engineers AI practitioners Tech leaders Product managers Founders Anyone curious about how AI is transforming the tech industry **📅 Event Details** 📆 19 May 2026 🕡 6:30 PM (arrival from 6:00 PM) 📍 Landmark Office, Monument (Exact address shared upon RSVP)

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** **Welcome to Socialite Connections – Business Networking: Neuroscience & Neurotech Event** Join us for an extraordinary networking experience designed exclusively for passionate professionals working in the **Neuroscience & Neurotech** Industry ecosystem! This dynamic event is your gateway to connecting, collaborating, and catalyzing transformative opportunities across cutting-edge industries. Socialite Connections connects the dots between industry experts, entrepreneurs, and organizations, fostering meaningful connections, collaborations, and insights that drive progress and improvement in the healthcare and wellness sector. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/neuroscience-neurotech-leaders-business-networking-mixer-tickets-1986442869095?aff=ebdsoporgprofile **We start the event at 6.00pm with a warm welcome.** Having an open-minded approach is ideal, as it will enable you to establish new connections. **The Refinery CityPoint** \- Located just around the corner from **Moorgate Station**, it is a stylish and expansive venue in the heart of the City. With its chic interiors, statement furniture, and welcoming atmosphere, **The Refinery** is the perfect location for **local corporate events**, **business breakfasts**, **working lunches**, **client entertainment.** **Event Schedule** **18:00 – 21:00 \| When you arrive\,** your name will be checked off the guest list, you will be given a name badge and you will be introduced to each other. **19:00 – 19:30 \| One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room to talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19.00pm sharp, please dont be late) **19:30pm \- 21:00 \| Network & chill: I**t will be a free form event where guests can mingle amongst each other in a relaxed environment, when the pitches are finished. **Why Attend?** Expand your network within the **Neuroscience & Neurotech Industry**. Gain insights, discover new opportunities, and connect with like-minded professionals. Foster meaningful relationships and drive personal and professional growth while making meaningful professional connections. Potential Partnership Opportunities, gain insights into Emerging Industry Trends. **One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19:00pm sharp, please dont be late) **Who Should Attend?** This event brings together experts and enthusiasts from the healthcare, wellness industry to share knowledge, ideas, and opportunities in a supportive environment. **Startup, Founders, Investors, Academics, Clinicians, and Tech Professionals shaping the future of neuro-innovation. Health Care Professionals & Experts, Neuroscientists, neurosurgeons, Psychologists, Neurotech entrepreneurs, Investors, Health & Wellness Entrepreneurs, Technology Experts, Healthcare Practitioners, Nutrition Specialists, Wellness Coaches, Startups & Founders, Working Professionals.** **Tickets are limited to just 40 attendees.** We like to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to talk to each other. You are invited to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/neuroscience-neurotech-leaders-business-networking-mixer-tickets-1986442869095?aff=ebdsoporgprofile Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative networking experience! **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event.**

PLEASE NOTE - YOU MUST PURCHASE A TICKET THROUGH https://www.londonprivateclient.com/ The London Private Committee would like to invite you to our May 2026 HNWI Sector Business Networking Reception to be held in the private cocktail lounge of the Sterling Bar at the famous Gherkin and hope you can join us for after-work drinks, canapés and productive business networking to make new contacts and deals. We now have over 20,000 diverse and relevant London members so it’s the perfect opportunity for making new business connections. See photos from our latest events at https://www.londonprivateclient.com/ Please note we take most of our event bookings through our website and EventBrite so the number booked is much larger than displayed on this Meetup page (normally about 50-100 guests).

The second episode in our special series designed to open different conversations about AI, tech, and their impact on our lives. (Substack about our rationale for this event series [here](https://open.substack.com/pub/experimentsingroupwisdom/p/bored-of-having-the-same-conversation?r=445zi1&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true) 😊) We’ll use the typical THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS (TEiP) method of getting into great conversations: small group discussions, tiny imaginary stories, lots of questions, and many opportunities to shuffle groups (more detail below). **The thought experiments for these events are written by special guest writer and TEiP regular, Francesca.** She’s in the middle of a fellowship at Newspeak House (London College of Political Technology) and has her finger on the pulse of many issues related to technology and its impact on our lives. (You can find her writing [here](https://themagpiebrain.substack.com/)). As Francesca alludes to in one of her thought experiments: **discussing concepts and ideas with other people (rather than asking ChatGPT) is like going to the gym for your mind.** But as anyone who has been to TEiP will know, TEiP’s lighthearted and playful atmosphere means that it’s more like a fun dance workout than crossfit or weightlifting. **How we'll do it** (timings approximate): * 7:00pm - Arrive at Newspeak House. Nearest station Shoreditch High Street. * Organise ourselves into small groups (3-4). * Have a look at the thought experiments (announced on the day of the event) * 7:15 - Introduction to the event * 7:20 - First rotation begins - Talk about the first thought experiment, but feel free to veer off topic and pursue new avenues of conversation. * 7:45 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the second thought experiment. * 8:15 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the third thought experiment. * 8:45pm - Wrap up - votes to discern general views of the room; info about upcoming events; feedback/requests for future meetups. * 9:00 Meetup ‘ends’. But feel free to carry on conversations. We have the room until 10 :-) **Notes on the general atmosphere:** * The vibe is to let conversation flow rather than stick strictly to one topic. * While we'd like to talk about 'meaningful things', we also see the value in lighter topics, so don't worry about not being 'deep' enough! * Feel free to suggest ideas for future THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS IN PUBS meetup groups, both in terms of structure and topics to discuss. **Where we'll meet:** This group will be at NEWSPEAK HOUSE. The nearest Overground Station is Shoreditch High Street. Nearby Tube stations: Bethnal Green, Whitechapel, Old Street, and Liverpool Street. You can access the venue step-free on the ground floor. Bathrooms are available at the venue. **Please note: There is no bar at the venue, but you are very welcome to bring your own drinks.** **Who should come:** Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts in Philosophy, it is about doing philosophy. That is, bringing our various life experiences and lenses on the world to group discussions about the human experience, the nature of reality... etc.... **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- newsletter and other writing **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DapwAXpnOHO5DRYThobpe4)** \- stay in the loop **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** \- see what we look like **[WEBSITE](https://www.alltogether.one/)** \- everything else **If having different conversations about technology, AI and their impact on our lives sounds good, or intriguing, to you, please join us :-)**

London's Friendly Book Club's pick for March is **Project Hail Mary** by **Andy Weir**. A lone astronaut. An impossible mission. An ally he never imagined. Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission - and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish. Except that right now, he doesn't know that. He can't even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. All he knows is that he's been asleep for a very, very long time. And he's just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company. His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it's up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery-and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species. And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he's got to do it all alone. Or does he? Please only RSVP if you think you'll be able to make this event. **We host three sessions per book, you only need to attend one.** Everyone is welcome! Grab your copy and join us for a relaxed and engaging discussion.

#### Details **This is an external event that we are sharing details about. Please go to [this link](https://www.outsavvy.com/event/34459/invisible-rainbows-book-launch) to sign up if you would like to attend** **The Event** What if the Universe around us is far richer than we can perceive? In *[Invisible Rainbows](https://wiltonsquarebooks.com/products/invisible-rainbows?variant=53139010617671)*, astrophysicist and science journalist Dr Alfredo Carpineti reveals the extraordinary hidden universe beyond the limits of human vision and how we have learnt to harness it. The book comes out on May 21, and we are celebrating with a launch party in the incredible Chats Palace in Homerton. You will experience a bespoke cosmic cocktail (complimentary for the first 50 people) and hear a discussion about space, diversity, and more, between Alfredo and science communicator [Dr Suze Kundu](https://www.suzekundu.com/about). There will be copies of the book available to purchase on the night (you can reserve a copy below) and get it signed, and just have a good time with some fun science discussions and music! **Event Details** Chats Palace, 42-44 Brooksby's Walk, London, E9 6DF Thursday 21st May 2026 at 6:30 PM Accessibility - Accessible Toilets, Relaxed Performance, Wheelchair Accessible FREE **Dr Alfredo Carpineti (he/him):** is a queer Italian astrophysicist, science journalist, and social activist. He is the Senior Staff Writer & Space Correspondent for IFLScience where he has worked for 10 years, writing over 6,000 articles that have been read by millions. He is the author of the upcoming pop astronomy book Invisible Rainbows. He is the chair and founder of Pride in STEM, an award-nominated British charity dedicated to supporting and showcasing LGBTQIA+ in STEM and founder of the International Day of LGBTQIA+ People in STEM.

This **in-person theatre** and **livestream** talk is available online from Gresham College to Basingstoke Science subscribers. **ADVANCE BOOKING AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TALK.** **More details and booking instructions on the Gresham web site:** **[https://www.gresham.ac.uk/speakers/professor-robin-may](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/speakers/professor-robin-may)** **SUMMARY** #### Part of: **[Notes from a Large Planet: a citizen’s guide to the Earth](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/series/large-planet)** The polar regions are still some of the most inaccessible and least touched by humans, but they are deeply linked to the rest of Earth. We will cover the history of exploring them, the challenges of measuring this environment, and the current state of knowledge about the ice at both poles. We will also cover the likely future for the polar regions – the incentives driving different actions, what science suggests about the consequences, and coming events to look out for. **LIVESTREAM TIMING** **The livestream will go live at 5.55pm, and the introduction will begin at 6.00pm. 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](https://www.rigb.org/whats/faqs-ri-livestreams). Please use the event link you have been provided with. Gresham College has offered an outstanding education to the public free of charge for over 400 years. Today, Gresham College plays an important role in fostering a love of learning and a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Please consider making a donation on their web site to support the work of Gresham College.

This **in-person theatre** and **livestream** talk is available online from Gresham College to Basingstoke Science subscribers. **ADVANCE BOOKING AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TALK.** **More details and booking instructions on the Gresham web site:** **[https://www.gresham.ac.uk/speakers/professor-robin-may](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/speakers/professor-robin-may)** **SUMMARY** #### Part of: **[Why do we have emotions?](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/series/why-emotions)** We think of emotions as being central to our characters and our sense of self. But emotions are the product of brain chemistry and, like most biological processes, are malleable. Thus far, our ability to artificially manipulate emotions has been extremely rudimentary, but we are on the cusp of a revolution in neuroscience that will open the door to powerful emotional manipulation. How can we navigate the ethical minefield that this will uncover, and what will it mean for our understanding of who we really are? **LIVESTREAM TIMING** **The livestream will go live at 5.55pm, and the introduction will begin at 6.00pm. 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](https://www.rigb.org/whats/faqs-ri-livestreams). Please use the event link you have been provided with. Gresham College has offered an outstanding education to the public free of charge for over 400 years. Today, Gresham College plays an important role in fostering a love of learning and a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Please consider making a donation on their web site to support the work of Gresham College.

Join us on May 21st to learn, share, and network with some of the most experienced professionals who are passionate about AI/ML. This time, we’re excited to have **Revolut** as a special partner. Topics: \- Anton Repushko\, Lead Researcher\, Revolut: "Build Next-Generation Foundation Models in Finance" \- Nicolas Atienza\, Researcher\, Neuralk AI: "Gradient Boosting to Tabular Foundation Models: What Changed, What Didn't" \- Ivan Dolgov\, JetBrains: "Pre\-training at JetBrains: fast MoE perfectly fit for H100/200 GPUs" \- Kir Zharov\, Spinner AI: "Building the unified knowledge layer for self\-improving agents" More talks will be added soon You can submit your talk here: [https://forms.gle/wiWyD5sBqzZtCfpMA](https://forms.gle/wiWyD5sBqzZtCfpMA) If you’d like to become a partner for this or one of the upcoming meetups, message [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fedorshabashev/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/fedorshabashev/) or [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirzharov/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirzharov/) In the meantime, you can watch the previously recorded talks: [https://youtube.com/@londonpytorchmeetup](https://youtube.com/@londonpytorchmeetup) Please subscribe to our channel! ❤️

We will show how to build custom agents with Microsoft Agent Framework. Attendees will learn how to build and custom host agents when Microsoft Foundry is not a viable option.

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space. No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving. If you’d like to take the stage, message \*\*Chris (the organizer)\*\*with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/transformlabs/) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/transformlabshq)

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.