I just find this really fascinating. It's exciting, and unusual, to see such a high-level exchange of views. That was what the event was all about. Martin Halama, a spokesman for Novartis Austria, ended up leaning against a wall uneasily, mike in hand. New technologies create opportunities, but there are also concerns and it is wise to take these concerns seriously.
Passions run deep on such issues, which was where the influence of artists came into play.
Even with tense standoffs such as Rifkin's and Hamer's, the mood in the auditorium was not oppressive. Having artists around can do that for a gathering. They were not just listening, they were turning ideas over in their heads, and maybe planting the seeds for coming projects. I like that artists and scientists are here together to try to find solutions together. I am very interested in such types of communication.