Science and Human Dimension Project
SHDP is a public understanding of science, technology and ethics programme based at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge.
We bring together the research community with experts from industry, government, the arts and the media, to broaden the appreciation of new ideas and discoveries in science and technology, and to ask searching questions about the ethical dilemmas they pose for humanity. Recent events have addressed navigating relations with China, migration, and climate change and the Mediterranean region.
Addressing important ethical questions
SHDP addresses vital issues, such as the controversy over human embryonic stem cell research, communicating science in the media, and the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI). At times we tackle subjects illustrative of knowledge purely for its own sake. In 2022-24 our focus turned to migration, climate change, and climate security in the Mediterranean. In 2025 we addressed relations with China across academia, culture and trade.
Helping research to reach a wider audience
SHDP brings research and new ideas to a wide audience of experts and general public through well organised events with carefully chosen participants from a variety of sectors and regions. We help to connect people and have worked with many research groups, government departments, the media and businesses, for example Google DeepMind.
SHDP and Outreach
We have a strong track record in achieving outreach from world leading research, for example at Cambridge University, to the media and a wider non-specialist public through journalism, film, exhibitions and books.
We have produced conferences and reports on a wide range of vital issues including: Artificial Intelligence; Cyber Security; Energy Security; Food Security; Inequality; Infrastructure; The Financial Crisis; Big Data; Blockchain and Bitcoin; The Future of Research-based Universities; The North-South divide; Ageing in the UK; The Future of Work; Fake News; Climate Change; Migration; relations with China.
Conference proceedings have been published by Oxford University Press, Bloomsbury, Viking Penguin and Profile. Journalism related to the project has appeared in most national newspapers.
AI & the Future of Humanity
From August 2017 SHDP ran a two-year project consisting of three conferences on AI and the Future of Humanity. The project was funded by Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF).
The project’s topics and discussions are summarised in the following reports: AI in Science Fiction, the Singularity Summit, and AI – Ethical and Religious Perspectives.
Arts and Science – Exhibition Programming
SHDP has experience working with curators and producing art exhibitions. We are interested in communicating important scientific and technological ideas through exhibitions.
In 2021 SHDP directed a symposium at the Venice Biennale on the theme: How will we live together? in partnership with the Caravane Foundation and in collaboration with the Prince’s Foundation (INTBAU), the Smithsonian Institution and the Musée du Louvre. In 2024-2025, Johnny Cornwell, SHDP’s director, is producer A Cabinet of Wonders, a major exhibition at the Palazzo Grimani in Venice.
Media
AI: Ethical and Religious Perspectives – Short Film
https://vimeo.com/417396194 AI - Ethical and Religious Perspectives Will advances in AI serve to enhance or diminish our moral and spiritual selves? Will these advances serve to create better or worse societies? Experts from AI, computer science, psychology,...
Humans through the AI looking Glass – Short Film
https://vimeo.com/310655104 In this short film, an AI expert, a philosopher, psychologist, theologian, and neuroscientist discuss how AI works so well as a mirror for humans.
The Path to Artificial Consciousness – Short Film
https://vimeo.com/310613662 In this short film, an AI expert, a philosopher, psychologist, theologian, and neuroscientist discuss how AI works so well as a mirror for humans.
What is the Singularity? – Short Film
https://vimeo.com/310564935 Watch our short film where AI experts Murray Shanahan of DeepMind and Anders Sandberg of the Future of Humanity Institute, Oxford, give their answers to the question: What is the Singularity?
AlphaGolem – SHDP Director’s article in AEON
SHDP Director John Cornwell’s AEON Article, Alpha Golem – “When we pit ourselves against machines, the game can only end in tears. It is in our gift to imagine another way.” Read John's article on Aeon
AI in Science Fiction Film and Literature – Short Film
https://vimeo.com/281225180 SHDP’s short documentary film on AI in Sci-Fi Film and Literature, the subject of a conference at Jesus College, Cambridge. AI experts, Sci-Fi authors and film makers discuss how Sci-Fi addresses the big questions posed by AI, and the roles...