Prof. Bronwyn Parry on the History and Future of Artificial Cold

On January 7, 2025, Prof. Bronwyn Parry from the Australian National University introduced the research endeavors to the public at KWI’s Garden Room and via Zoom. In her insightful and engaging lecture, she explored the intricate geographies and histories of our relationship with cold.

The brain in the vat

She vividly illustrated how cooling technologies have shaped our lives, from artificial insemination to the invention of the microwave oven, and even such popular thought experiments like „the brain in the vat“. The lecture was followed by a lively discussion with the audience, where the implications of these ideas were debated, including the growing demand for cooling in AI and data centers.

Watch the Event Recording

The Opening in Pictures