The Cybernetics Conversation 2026

The Cybernetics Conversation 2026

The purpose of the event is to stimulate conversation, exploration and learning about the breadth and depth of cybernetics in theory and practice. This is not a conventional academic 'conference' but an event where attendees directly engage with the material and the people, develop their own pathway through it and take responsibility for their own learning.

We will embrace as many dimensions as possible: robotics, AI, design, organisation, art, music and the philosophies of cybernetics and systems. Broadly, the emerging themes this year are:

1 July 2026 Wednesday AM: (11 am) Welcome and Scene Setting (Led by Peter Kawalek)
Lunch
1 July 2026 Wednesday PM: (2-5) Celebrating Stafford Beer at his Centenary, Viable Operating Model, State of Health Care systems

2 July 2026 Thursday AM: (0930) Dan Davies and The Unaccountability Machine

2 July 2026 Thursday PM: (1330) Information and Cybernetics: Badlands. Quantum

3 July 2026 Friday AM: (0930) Ethics and AI Reflections

About the Venue

This event is taking place at the Centre of Information Management, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, England. Participants are encouraged to stay in accommodation close. Accommodation is not included in the registration fee. But available places for participants to book themselves include a Premier Inn, a Travelodge (each within a mile of the campus)and 3 hotels on the Univesity campus, and of course many local B&B facilities. Car parking (chargeablke but reasonable) is available on site.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided with your registration to this event. This will include vegetarian, meat and fish options but please advise us of any other dietary restrictions by contacting the Cybernetics Society Secretary [email protected] at least 14 days before the event starts (i.e. 16th June latest). Breakfasts and evening meals are not included in the registration fee.

Registration Information

This event will be 'in real life' generating the best learning experience for all and the most enjoyment.

Participants may register for either one day or all. We recommend attending the whole as the event is designed holistically and interactively unfolding over its course.

Discounted registration rates are available to Cybernetics Society Members, Centre for Information Management (CIM) & Loughborough University Staff, as well as students (both Cybsoc members and non-members).

A bursary option is available for members or non-members who may struggle to attend for financial reasons but would like to. Please email the Cybernetics Society Vice President [email protected] to request permission to book this option at least 14 days before the event starts (i.e. 15th June latest). I.e. this option won't be available after 15th June 2026.

Non-Member Participants paying the full registration fee will automatically be enrolled a Associate Members of the Society until the end of the 2026 membership year. You will need to enter information into our membership system but we will send you the link to do that.

About the Cybernetics Society

The Cybernetics Society promotes and offers education and research opportunities in the rich field of cybernetics. In the CybSights series, including the Cybernetics Live Series, we offer insghts conversations, lectures, case studies, analysis, education, and thoughtful entertainment.,

The Cybernetics Society – https://cybsoc.org – is a specially authorised learned society regulated by the FSA and established by a 1974 Act of Parliament.

Cybernetics plays into and strongly influences many scientific and practice fields including design, epistemology, ecology, biology, psychology and living behaviour, technology and engineering, social policy, and business practice.

Cybernetics offers a distinct "go" — techniques — to address local and global challenges of the 21st century.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Cybernetics Society and Centre for Info Mgmt