Paul in discussion with Natalia Ares of Oxford University about the profound puzzles of quantum physics. The event was moderated by Janna Levin and hosted by Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, NY on March 10, 2026
Pioneer Works, Walter Wlodarczyk.
The Beyond Annual Lecture is our premier public event of the year. We ask a scientist or philosopher of international standing to offer a reflective account of their work and interests, and invite them to speculate a little bit "beyond" their normal comfort zone. This year, we are excited to welcome Professor Peter Turnich to give the lecture!
Quantum physics unquestionably underpins the function and properties of atoms and molecules; whether this scales up and applies to macromolecules and beyond is hotly debated. Unravelling this could lead to further fundamental insights into the inner machinations of biology.
The “Thinking Beyond” webinar series features renowned physicists Paul Davies, Sara Walker
AI: Salvation or Damnation
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic idea—it’s here, and it’s transforming our world. From chatbots that sound human to “grief AI” that mimics lost loved ones, the technology is racing ahead faster than most of us imagined. Will it lead to a healthier, longer life for all of us, or to a future with no privacy and machines calling the shots? In this talk, we’ll cut through the hype to explore what AI really is, why it matters, and how it may shape the choices we face in the years ahead.
Our understanding of time has transformed dramatically over the history of physics. From Newton’s absolute time to Einstein’s dynamical spacetime, Raphaela Wutte will explain how motion and gravity change the simultaneity of events and elapsed time. She will discuss the strange behavior of time near black holes and the open questions at the intersection of gravity and quantum theory.
How do brain cells communicate? Neuroscientists have focused on chemical and electrical signaling, but now a tantalizing new possibility has emerged. This form of communication involves light; brain cells also seem to use photons to send messages to each other. It has been known for decades that living tissues emit “biophotons” at low intensity, but the biological function has been unclear. I will address several key questions: Do different types of brain cells have different patterns of biophoton activity? Do biophotons change as a result of stress?