From the prescient visions of space travel in 2001: A Space Odyssey, through to the apocalyptic warnings presented in The Day After Tomorrow, science fiction cinema has examined many of the theoretical possibilities and consequences of science and technology. But just how plausibly does the genre interpret such possibilities and how accurately can it predict what the future holds?

Have the futuristic celluloid visions of film-makers inspired scientists to fulfil some of these visions? And are movies the best way of promoting environmental awareness to contemporary societies? Join a lively debate organized by the weekly science journal, Nature.

Speakers

Adam Rutherford (Chair) is an audio video editor at Nature, science writer and presents television and radio programmes, most recently Cell for BBC4.

Henry Gee (Panellist) is a senior editor in the Biological Sciences department at Nature. He also edits the ‘Futures' science fiction column.

Mark Henderson (Panellist) is science editor of The Times and a double winner of the Norwich Union / Medical Journalists' Association awards. He is the author of 50 Genetics Ideas You Really Need to Know.

Gia Milinovich (Panellist) is a technology writer and broadcaster as well as a new media consultant for the film industry. She has worked on various films, including Sunshine, 28 Weeks Later, X Files: I Want To Believe and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.