From the printing press to vaccines to artificial intelligence, the introduction of almost any transformative technology has been met with wonder as well as fear and rejection. Many of history’s greatest inventors were considered heretics--the archetype of the mad scientist exists for a reason. Why does the new still scare us? What does it take to build acceptance for transformative ideas? How does the unprecedented scientific progress to deliver COVID vaccines influence this? What role does disinformation play in shaping our fears? How can we ensure innovators consider ethical issues, so outcomes can lead to the betterment of people and the planet? What can innovators learn from artists and creators of fiction?

This #LeapsTalk ‘Why do we fear innovation?’ took place as part of SXSW Online 2021 and TOA on Air. The virtual event featured Yuval Noah Harari, historian & bestselling author, and Mayim Bialik, actress, author, Ph.D. as they explore a range of fascinating topics, from brains, biotech, and behavior to AI and the future of our species.

This conversation was moderated by Niko Woischnik, Founder, Tech Open Air, and organized by Leaps by Bayer, Tech Open Air Berlin, and SXSW.

About Leaps Talks:
Breakthroughs in biotech could change the world for the better, but they also raise important ethical questions that cannot solely be answered by scientists and investors. That’s why Leaps by Bayer aims to engage society in this critical dialogue. Leaps Talks is a speaker series that gathers leading minds from distinct disciplines to discuss ethics, opportunities, and challenges in biotech innovation.

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Speakers:
Yuval Noah Harari, historian & bestselling author

Prof. Yuval Noah Harari is a historian and bestselling author, considered one of the world’s most influential public intellectuals today. His popular books — Sapiens, Homo Deus, and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century—have sold 27.5 million copies in 60 languages, and have been recommended by Barack Obama, Bill Gates, Janelle Monáe, and others. His recently published Sapiens: A Graphic History is a radical adaptation of the original, into a graphic novel series.

Mayim Bialik, actress, author, Ph.D.

Dr. Mayim Bialik is known for her award-winning role as Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory. She leads Call Me Kat, which she and former co-star Jim Parsons Executive Produce. In 2021, Mayim will direct her original screenplay titled As Sick As They Made Us. She recently launched Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, a podcast on mental health. An acclaimed author, Bialik has written two #1 New York Times bestsellers, among others. Mayim holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UCLA. ​

About TOA:
TOA is a community for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Their mission is to help people and organizations become future-proof. They connect, grow and inspire technology professionals through media, experiences and educational programs. Technology is transforming the way we work, live and relate. Through knowledge exchange and collaboration, everyone can seize the opportunities ahead.

About SXSW Online 2021:
Introducing SXSW Online, a digital experience from March 16–20, 2021 including keynotes, Conference sessions, Music Festival showcases, Film Festival screenings, world-class networking, and the unexpected discoveries that are always a part of SXSW.

About us:
Leaps by Bayer invests in paradigm-shifting advances in the life sciences – targeting the breakthroughs that could fundamentally change the world for the better. Our approach is making significant and sustained investments in disruptive biotechnologies that could have the greatest impact on humanity.

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