SAVE THE DATE! NOVEMBER 24TH.
Popular media propagates that we are living in a post-fact (or post-truth) society. In such a society, facts are reduced to irrelevant side notes and the new "truth" established from false beliefs professed by prominent individuals (e.g. via social media). Consider the recent example of social media buzzing with false reporting about the coronavirus, or the allegations of voter fraud in the 2020 USA election. Another example includes convincing fictional videos created using AI-based video and image manipulation technologies (deepfake). Common good, trust, responsibility, ethics, and civic engagement are under attack.
This year's edition of the PhD & PDEng Day focuses on the role of science in a post-fact society. Topics of discussion include evidence-informed policy-making, young scientists' role and perspectives, and the importance of science for innovation. Let's dive into how scientific methods were used to test the validity of rumors, myths, adages, and web footage such as videos and news stories. Can we still rely on truths, norms, rules, and traditions as the currency on which to base decisions for the future? How can science and innovation stay relevant in a post-fact society? Should anything change in the interaction between science and society? Will this new perspective be a tipping point towards 'trust in absolute truths' as a fundamental citizen right? What about the technological trend to turn many aspects of our lives into quantifiable data (datafication)?
The P-NUT PhD & PDEng Day will cover interesting keynote talks, discussions, and parallel workshops. We conclude the day with a dinner and networking drinks. The program can be found here. Notice that the final program is still under development and the schedule is subject to change.
What? PhD & PDEng Day 2021
When? November 24h 13:00h – 17:30h
Where? The University of Twente, building The Gallery
Sign up now to reserve one of the in-person spots! But at the very least save the date so you don’t miss the event. As always all attendees will get a certificate and the study credits (ECTS) to go along with it. We will provide more detailed information about the program in the coming weeks. You can also follow us on social media channels to stay up to date.
Not convinced? Have a glance at the 2019 edition
More information will follow soon! Have also a look at the previous year's PhD days (2019) (2020).
Interesting in helping us with organizing the PhD & PDeng Day 2021? Send an email to p-nut@utwente.nl.