‘CYBORGS OUT OF NECESSITY, NOT BY CHOICE’

The human body has become an instrument to be repaired, manipulated and remade. ‘Bioenhancement’ this is euphemistically called, yet it is becoming a basic feature in human society. And while the technology will become less and less visible, personalized medicine and medical tools with modify human bodies and minds in strong ways. What is the distinction between healing and upgrading? Who will not want to hear, see, feel and perform better? Will the technology make us more humane? From the refunding of the bionic eye to a demo of an exoskeleton. This CROSSTALKS seminar explores the neurological, ethical and social (security) boundaries of the merge between human bodies and technologies.

14:00 Welcome by Marleen Wynants (Director VUB Crosstalks)

14:15 Bernard Dan (neurologue et commissaire scientifique de l'expo)

14:40 Kristien Hens (Bio-ethiek UA/KULeuven)

15:10 Bart Demyttenaere (Medical Advisor National Union of Socialist Mutual Health Insurance Funds)

15:40 Q&A & break

16:15 DEMO I - Christophe Van Geel(Handicap International)

16:45 DEMO II - Sébastien Vanderlinden (Ortho-Medico)

17:15 Open discussion

17:30 Apero

* Occasion to visit the exhibition in Bozar Lab before the seminar or later that day during the nocturne. Entrance is free.