Telling the Times

For decades, the Doomsday Clock has served as a symbolic measure of global risk, drawing attention to issues such as nuclear weapons, climate change, and emerging technologies. Today, it stands at 89 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been.

What role has the Doomsday Clock played in shaping public awareness and policy conversations? How has it been interpreted by different audiences over time? And what can its history teach us about how scientists communicate complex risks to the public?

During this dinner, we will consider the impact and limitations of the Doomsday Clock, and explore broader questions about the relationship between science, communication, and political decision-making. What makes a scientific warning resonate? How do experts effectively engage with public life?