From policing to infrastructure inspection and delivery, aerial drones are increasingly present in UK airspace – mobilised in civil, commercial and recreational roles.
So too have recent UK Government ambition statements outlined aims for commercial drones to be ‘commonplace by 2030’.
Yet, while supporting increasingly wide-ranging applications and associated with economic, social, and sustainability benefits, drones have also raised critical concerns and questions spanning privacy, noise, safety, security and wildlife impacts, as well as their implications on built environments adapted to support scaled integration.
In this talk, Anna will share a range of drone stories from her research to reflect on drone use and encounters in everyday life – and potential futures ahead…
Bio
Dr Anna Jackman is an Associate Professor in Human Geography at the University of Reading. Her research explores the impacts of digital and robotic technologies in everyday, urban, and military spaces and life.
She has led research projects exploring the use and impacts of drones in changing UK airspace, engaging with diverse stakeholders to understand different uses, experiences and perspectives on drones as they may be (re)shaping UK airspace and everyday life.
She is currently working with Dr Paul Cureton (Lancaster University) on a project exploring the impacts of drones on UK built environments. Anna is interested in the policy dimensions of growing drone use and has acted as the Specialist Adviser to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee 2019 Inquiry into ‘Commercial and recreational drone use in the UK’ and as an expert witness for the Defence Committee’s 2019 Inquiry into the ‘Domestic threat of drones’.
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Talks are usually (December is always an exception) on the 4th Wednesday of every month, at 7:00 for 7:30, at The Winchester Club in Winchester. Please take a look at the FAQs for more info.
Admission is £5 which also gives you an entry in the book raffle. We take cash and major cards (cards preferred).
The event is in two parts – the talk and then a Q&A after the interval. We encourage you to support the venue by indulging in the available drinks before and during the event.
You are also welcome to join us for a drink in the bar after the event.