The Technology and Democracy Conference The Technology and Democracy Conference

Information for attendees of the Technology & Democracy Conference, Cambridge

15 / 16 April 2024

10.00 am registration for a 10.30 am start


Venue & Address

Cripps Court
Magdalene College, Cambridge
1-3 Chesterton Rd
Arbury
Cambridge
CB4 3AD

Access a map here.

Find accessibility information on Magdalene’s website here.


Access and Dietary Requirements

Please let us know if you have any access or dietary requirements using this survey
or via email (minderoo@crassh.cam.ac.uk) 

All attendees are invited to a drinks reception and dinner at the end of the first day. Dress code for the conference and dinner are both business attire.

A vegetarian menu will be served, please let us know if you require any dietary adjustments.


List of attendees

We will make a full list of attendees available ahead of the conference.

It would be helpful if you could email us a short bio and photo of yourself for this purpose, via minderoo@crassh.cam.ac.uk


Travel and accommodation

We have budget available to assist with travel and accommodation.

If you would like to request assistance in this matter, please email us at minderoo@crassh.cam.ac.uk


Schedule

A PDF version of the schedule is available to download here.

Day 1: Monday 15 April

10:00 – 10:30 am
Welcome and Registration
Gallery Room

10:30 – 10:50 am
Welcome from Professor Gina Neff
Lecture Theatre

10:50 – 11:45 am
Firestarter Panel: What are the Stakes for Technology & Democracy?
Lecture Theatre

11:45 – 12:00 noon
Break

12:00 – 13:00
Keynote from Professor Payal Arora: Questioning Power
Lecture Theatre

13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
Gallery Room

14:00 – 15:00
Simultaneous Working Groups
Rooms 1-5 (and opportunities for informal discussions in Gallery Room)

15:00 – 15:30
Break

15:30 – 16:30
Simultaneous Working Groups
Rooms 1-5 (and opportunities for informal discussions in Gallery Room)

16:30 – 16:45
Break

16:45 – 17:35
Panel: Technology and Democracy for Whom?
Lecture Theatre

(Close of formal events)

18:30
Drinks Reception

Gallery Room

19:30
Conference Dinner

Magdalene College Formal Hall


Day 2: Tuesday 16 April 

10:00 – 10:30 am
Day two welcome, coffee & pastries
Gallery Room

10:30 – 11:30 am
Simultaneous Working Groups
Rooms 1-5 (and opportunities for informal discussions in Gallery Room)

11:30 – 11:45 am
Break

11:45 am – 13:00 pm
Keynote from Professor Wendy Chun: Rebuilding Trust
Lecture Theatre

13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
Gallery Room

14:00 – 15:00
Simultaneous Working Groups
Rooms 1-5 (and opportunities for informal discussions in Gallery Room)

15:00 – 15:30
Break, coffees etc.

15:30 – 16:30
Closing Panel: Strengthening Democracies in 2024 and Beyond
Lecture Theatre

16:30 – 16:45
Wrap up & Next Steps
Lecture Theatre

Refreshments from 16:45 onwards.


Working Sessions

Our conference is arranged around a principle of open and inclusive discussion. Alongside keynotes and panels, there are several slots set aside for simultaneous working groups where we hope all will feel welcome to contribute, debate, and bring their expertise to the table.

Attendees are welcome to choose working groups that interest them or to take the time for informal networking in the shared spaces.

Day 1:

First Slot – 14:00 – 15:00

The State of Power of Disinformation and Crisis 
Technology Data Infrastructures
AI and the Future of Work: Regulation for the UK and Beyond
Online Safety & Safety by Design

Second Slot – 15:30 – 16:40

Who gets to talk about tech power?
The UN Consultative Process: Deep Dive into AI and Creativity
Tech, International Conflict and Geopolitical Change 
Money, Investment, & Tech Power

Day 2:

Third Slot – 10:30 – 11:30 am

Democratic Participation in Decisions about Tech
Gen AI and Intellectual Property  
Auditing, Testing, Monitoring, and Governing AI Systems
AI in the Street: Ensuring AI works for all
FREE SLOT

Fourth Slot – 14:00 – 15:00

Tech and Climate Goals 
How do we define and measure the ‘Good’ in digital society
Human and Machine Intelligence as Partners
Disinformation in Context – Solutions and Ways Forward
FREE SLOT