In celebration of 50 years of advancements in science, six prominent Canadian scientists gathered to share their visions for the next half-century. The event, hosted by Bob McDonald of CBC Radio’s science show, took place at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ontario.
Evan Fraser, director of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, highlighted the challenge of sustainably feeding the growing global population, which is projected to reach 10.3 billion by the mid-2080s. Emphasizing the need to shift towards more sustainable farming practices, Fraser pointed out innovations such as drone-assisted weed control and precision fermentation to enhance food production while reducing environmental impact.
Laura Tozer, an assistant professor of environmental studies at the University of Toronto Scarborough, discussed the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power to combat climate change. She envisioned a future where clean energy is seamlessly integrated into households across Canada.
Yvonne Bombard, a genomics health services researcher at Unity Health St. Michael’s Hospital, highlighted the advancements in personalized medicine driven by genetic research. She stressed the importance of making genetic testing a routine part of healthcare to tailor treatments based on individual genetic profiles.
Ana Luisa Trejos, a professor in electrical and computer engineering at Western University, discussed the potential of wearable exoskeletons and brain implants to enhance human capabilities, leading to the development of bionic humans with augmented abilities.
Katie Mack, a theoretical astrophysicist at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, delved into the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, which constitute a significant portion of the universe’s mass. Mack expressed optimism about ongoing scientific efforts to unravel these cosmic enigmas.
Luke Stark, an assistant professor at Western University, raised questions about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. While acknowledging the prevalence of AI in various applications, Stark cautioned against overly optimistic expectations of human-like AI capabilities in the near future and highlighted the need for responsible development and regulation of AI technologies.
The insights shared by these scientists shed light on the potential future directions of science and technology, offering glimpses of upcoming innovations and challenges that lie ahead.
