session 2

Title

SETI and Society: Exploring the Human Dimension

type

oral

Description

This session addresses the interdisciplinary aspects of the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI), focusing on the profound social and cultural consequences of detecting a signal from another intelligent civilisation. Such a discovery would ripple through every aspect of human life, raising questions not only for scientists but for policymakers, educators, politicians, artists, and the public at large. We invite contributions exploring how different disciplines - from anthropology, sociology, psychology, and law to politics, media studies, education, and the arts — can help us understand and prepare for this momentous event. Topics include best practice for managing the search, engagement with the public and media, risk communication, and the institutional and ethical frameworks needed to guide our response. This session provides a forum for building a truly global, inclusive dialogue on how humanity might navigate first contact - intellectually, culturally, and practically.

Date

2026-10-06

Time

15:00

Room

G1

IPC members

• Co-Chair: Ms. Lori Walton, Canada;

• Co-Chair: Dr. Paolo Musso, InCosmiCon Research Center, Italy;