Writer Vadim Panov will participate in the International Symposium “Inventing the Future”
Science fiction author Vadim
Panov will participate in the International Symposium “Inventing the Future” at
the Russia National Centre. He will speak at several sections of the Symposium.
In anticipation of the event, the
author spoke about how science fiction writers rely on scientific achievements
and societal trends to create visions of the future, which sometimes turn into
reality.
“Science fiction is a story about
what doesn’t yet exist. People have a natural tendency to come up with
something that will help them in the future by adding something that doesn’t
exist yet. It’s an interesting approach – to invent something that’s not there
yet. But the pinnacle of science fiction is figuring out a way that engineers
can use to turn fantasy into reality,” Vadim Panov says.
According to the writer, science
fiction has always been part of human culture, reflecting our hopes and dreams
about the future. Over time, many of the things described by science fiction
writers become real and a part of everyday life.
“In 1922, a
little-known American science fiction writer published a story in which he
detailed the house of the future. By the second half of the 20th century, many
of the things he described already existed. Dishwashers, microwave ovens, and
other inventions started to emerge, making housework easier. Whether it’s the
author’s fantasy or a forecast, depends on the case,” Vadim
Panov noted.
Vadim Panov is a Russian science
fiction writer, author of several series in the cyberpunk and steampunk genres,
winner of the “Best Sci-Fi Writer” award at “RosCon” annual science fiction
literary conference, and recipient of the “Aelita” literary prize.
International Symposium
“Inventing the Future” will become the inaugural event of the Russia National
Centre, established by decree of the Russian
President Vladimir Putin, to preserve the legacy of the “Russia” exhibition and
to showcase the country’s achievements on a permanent basis.
The Symposium is scheduled for
November 4-6. The event will bring together distinguished scientists and
researchers, futurists and forecasters, fiction authors, as well as government
and business representatives.
The opening of the Symposium will coincide with
the launch of an
exhibition supporting the idea of a dialog on the future of the human-centered
world. The exhibition will allow each visitor to realize the importance of
personal contribution to the future and inspire a desire to be part of its
creation.