[]Inspired by the recent Netflix series: "3 Body Problem", we present a series of 3 documentary sessions featuring the Chinese science fiction writer Liu Cixin. The series is titled "Rendezvous with the Future" in which he shares thoughts on 3 topics:
– First Contact : "Contact with an alien civilization has many possibilities. It might have a good outcome. Equally it might have terrible consequences. Any child knows not to open the door to strangers. They know not to greet strangers casually. This is a matter of common sense." — Liu Cixin
– Voyage to the Stars: "I think if humans want to survive, our only choice is to expand our living space in the universe. Like H.G. Wells once said: Human beings will either fill the universe or perish completely. There is no other choice." — Liu Cixin
– Becoming a SuperCivilization: "The characteristics of a supercivilization are that it uses technology to enhance its evolution to become a more powerful species. Second, the energy that a supercivilization can use must be really huge. Third, it must have gone a long way on this path of understanding the laws of the universe. But a technologically advanced supercivilization cannot be a civilization with only ideas. It must have left its own mark on the universe. It must have spread to places of considerable distance." – Liu Cixin
Each episode is approximately 50 minutes long and will be followed by a 30~40 minutes group discussion period.
NOTE: You will need to register for each event separately, and will (https://www.webex.com/downloads.html)on your phone/tablet or laptop/desktop computer.
This specific vtool URL enrolls you in the "First Contact" session. Here are the links to the other two….(click on each separately)
https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/487971 (July 19, 2025)
https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/487972 (July 26, 2025)
Come join us for this FREE Conference: engage with our presenters/moderators and join in the discussions and networking sessions embedded in the schedule. We look forward to greeting you all and engaging in both serious discussions and flights of fancy.
Co-sponsored by: IEEE Southeastern Michigan Membership Development Committee
Agenda:
14:00 Sign-in – Networking
14:05 Start of Documentary: “First Contact”
15:00 End of Documentary
15:05 Roundtable Open Discussion.
16:00 Wrap up & conclusion of conference.
(We look forward to seeing you all here at the next documentary to expand the discussion.)
Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/487964