January 23, 2006       Contact: Gabrielle Maxey, 901-678-2843

Cybernetics Expert Kevin Warwick Will Address U of M Philosophy Conference

Cybernetics pioneer Kevin Warwick will deliver the keynote address at the University of Memphis Philosophy Graduate Student Association’s second annual conference Feb. 3 in the FedEx Institute of Technology. A reception begins at 3 p.m., with Warwick’s talk following at 3:30. The event is free and open to the public.

Warwick is professor of cybernetics at the University of Reading, England, where he conducts research in artificial intelligence, control, robotics, and biomedical engineering. He carried out a pioneering experiment in which he implanted a device into the median nerves of his left arm in order to link his nervous syste m directly to a computer to assess the latest technology for use by the disabled.

Warwick was born in Coventry, England, and left school to join British Telecom at the age of 16. At 22 he earned his first degree at Aston University, followed by a Ph.D. degree and a research post at Imperial College, London. He held positions at Oxford, Newcastle, and Warwick universities before being offered the chair at Reading at age 33.

The theme of the conference is “Philosophy and Technology.” Graduate students will present papers Feb. 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the FedEx Institute.
For more information, call 901-678-5105.