Real but unusual plants and animals can lead to the creation of aliens or fantastical creatures. Sue Burke's "Semiosis" and Adrian Tchaikovsky's "Children of Time" are just two examples. The panel will discuss these and other examples of fiction inspired by unusual flora and fauna in the real world.
 
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In what ways might SF shed a light on totalitarianism, its various forms, and the ways to resist it? Why do ordinary people fall for the promises of paranoid dictators? How might SF subvert the propaganda of totalitarianism?
 
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Genetic engineering has made huge strides in recent decades and is rapidly making possible things previously found only in SF. What can we realistically expect, and what should we worry about? Will we create new species? Solve health problems before conception? Grow non-sentient meat? Modify humanity to withstand climate change?
 
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Reading
 
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Not all fantasy needs to follow the Western medieval tradition. What are some fresh approaches to fantasy fiction that embraces modern times or is inspired by other cultures? Let’s explore how speculative fiction evolves when we expand its foundations.
 
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