Ethical Matters: In Search of Now
22nd February 2026, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL
In advance (+ £2 venue levy): Standard £10 • Living Support £6 • Student £7 On the Door (+ £2 venue levy):
22nd February 2026, 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL
In advance (+ £2 venue levy): Standard £10 • Living Support £6 • Student £7 On the Door (+ £2 venue levy):
According to physics there is no ‘now’, no difference between past and future. What of free will? Is choice an illusion? Or has physics left something out of the equation?
In this Ethical Matters talk, author, journalist and scientist Dr Jo Marchant tackles questions of time, self, consciousness and reality – exploring the secrets of how our lives really unfold by moment, and why it matters. Combining the latest research from neuroscience, psychology and physics, Jo bridges mind and matter to rescue ‘now’ as the fundamental ingredient of existence.
Jo Marchant, PhD, is an award-winning journalist, speaker and author. Her writing explores the nature of humanity and our universe, from the science of the mind-body connection and the mysteries of past civilisations to the awesome power of the night sky. She has a PhD in genetics and medical microbiology, and an MSc in Science Communication. She previously worked as a senior editor at New Scientist and at Nature, and her articles have appeared in publications including The New York Times, The Guardian and Smithsonian magazine.



