Lectures on Tap - "Imagining the Future of War: Robots, Lasers and Tech"
Schedule
Wed Jan 21 2026 at 06:30 pm to 08:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Cambridge | Cambridge, MA
About this Event
π Location: Exact address given in confirmation email
π Lecture: βImagining the Future of War: Robots, Lasers, and Emerging Technology in Armed Conflictβ
π€ Speaker: Dr. Matthew Parent
Join us for a thought-provoking evening with Dr. Matthew Parent as he explores the evolving landscape of military technology and its portrayal in popular culture. War has always served as a backdrop for fiction, and todayβs fantastical weapons are increasingly relevant in both media and real-world conflict.
In this engaging lecture, Dr. Parent will examine how societies perceive military technologies, from their material capabilities and histories to their representations in fiction. Focusing on emerging innovations like directed energy ("laser") weapons and autonomous systems ("robots"), he will discuss how these understandings shape political and military discourse.
As the Impact and Outreach Coordinator for the Project on Managing the Atom, Dr. Parent brings a wealth of knowledge on the interplay between technology and society, particularly regarding nuclear weapons, AI, and directed energy systems. His academic background includes teaching international relations and security studies at Clark University and the University of Connecticut, alongside extensive research on public perceptions of military technology.
Donβt miss this opportunity to gain insight into the future of warfare from the enlightening Dr. Matthew Parent!
Get a drink, connect, and learn at Lectures on Tap! π
Agenda
6:30 PM β Doors open: find a seat (open seating!), order food & drinks, and expect a bar lineβarriving early is key.
6:55 PM β Host introduction
7:00 PM β Lecture begins
7:45 PM β Audience Q&A
8:00 PM β Have 1:1 time with the speaker, mingle with fellow guests, and order another round
8:30 PM β Wrap up.
Where is it happening?
Cambridge, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 39.19











