How has artificial cooling shaped the world we live in? The ERC-funded research project “Cultures of the Cryosphere” sets out to explore the profound impact of these technologies on modern societies. From January 6th to 8th, the research group held their inaugural workshop at KWI, bringing together guests and researchers.
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. 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.
We’re excited to let you know that a video recording of Bronwyn Parry’s talk will soon be available as part of the „CryoLectures” series at www.cryocultures.org.
The entire presentation is also available here on KWI’s Youtube channel.
