SeminBar "Verschlimmbesserung"

Dr. Philippe Marlière is a scientific designer and entrepreneur who, among many other achievements, founded Synthetic- and Xeno-Biology. He also acts as an advisor on bioenergy and synthetic biology for the Director of the Life Science Division of the CEA, the French agency of atomic and alternative energies.

“Verschlimmbesserung” is one of his favourite terms. It means to make something worse in an attempt to improve it. The motto of Marlières talk on Thursday 26 November 2015 at 6 pm, at the SeminBar in Ackermannshof (Basel), is to “Accept No Limits”. He asks himself: “If we try to create an alternative form of life, can we make it better?” He answers his own question: “No, we will probably only improve it for the worse.”

Marlière will discuss artificial life and how living organisms could be improved thanks to synthetic- and xenobiology efforts. He will also drop the ultimate question: “Are you happy with what you have?” Be prepared for a provocative evening and an intense discussion.

The SeminBar at Ackermannshof in Basel is in English and starts at 6 pm. It is open to the public. No reservations are necessary. After the talk, starting at 9 pm, students organise various cultural events at the bar and DJ Morbus Nova provides the musical ambiance.

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The NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering unites 26 research projects with close to 100 researchers in an interdisciplinary approach. The diversity of the researchers and the various universities and institutes involved guarantee cross-fertilization in a stimulating working environ-ment. To strive for the best results, it is vital to have a 360 degree vision, while simultaneously remaining focussed on the projects of this NCCR.

To inspire and to bring an outside view into the NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering, SeminBar regularly features international scientists talking about their research emphasising key scientific concepts relevant to molecular systems engineering.