Orit Halpern
@ohalpern.bsky.social
Professor@TU Dresden, historian of science and STS scholar critically engaging AI, cybernetics,infrastructure, environment, and design.
https://againstcatastrophe.net
https://tu-dresden.de/gsw/slk/germanistik/digitalcultures
https://againstcatastrophe.net
https://tu-dresden.de/gsw/slk/germanistik/digitalcultures
Are you an alum from one of the 9 schools the federal government just attacked? Sign this alumni petition now to support your school, defend democracy, and build a grassroots movement for campus freedom across America. alumni.standforcampusfreedom.org/petitions/tr...
STAND WITH YOUR SCHOOL: Trump attacks 9 universities. Sign the alumni petition now.
Are you an alum from one of the 9 schools the federal government just attacked? Sign this alumni petition now to support your school, defend democracy, and build a grassroots movement for campus freed...
alumni.standforcampusfreedom.org
October 12, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Are you an alum from one of the 9 schools the federal government just attacked? Sign this alumni petition now to support your school, defend democracy, and build a grassroots movement for campus freedom across America. alumni.standforcampusfreedom.org/petitions/tr...
Amazing work by my sister Iris Halpern @Iris defending the first amendment!
Librarian Fired in Books Dispute to Receive $700,000 Settlement www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/u...
Librarian Fired in Books Dispute to Receive $700,000 Settlement www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/u...
Librarian Fired in Books Dispute to Receive $700,000 Settlement
www.nytimes.com
October 9, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Amazing work by my sister Iris Halpern @Iris defending the first amendment!
Librarian Fired in Books Dispute to Receive $700,000 Settlement www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/u...
Librarian Fired in Books Dispute to Receive $700,000 Settlement www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/u...
NOW LIVE: PLANETARY URBANISMS
againstcatastrophe.net
Reclaiming Futures: Planetary Urbanisms is an exhibition put together to engage the past and futures of urbanism in an age of environmental and political crisis.
againstcatastrophe.net
Reclaiming Futures: Planetary Urbanisms is an exhibition put together to engage the past and futures of urbanism in an age of environmental and political crisis.
Against Catastrophe
The aim of this project is to interrogate the concept of catastrophe – how it is defined, analyzed, and deployed – and anti-catastrophic practices in an attempt to envision alternatives to our present...
againstcatastrophe.net
June 28, 2025 at 4:49 AM
NOW LIVE: PLANETARY URBANISMS
againstcatastrophe.net
Reclaiming Futures: Planetary Urbanisms is an exhibition put together to engage the past and futures of urbanism in an age of environmental and political crisis.
againstcatastrophe.net
Reclaiming Futures: Planetary Urbanisms is an exhibition put together to engage the past and futures of urbanism in an age of environmental and political crisis.
Reposted by Orit Halpern
✨Very excited to share details of our British Academy-funded one-day symposium at Lancaster University in July: SPECULATIVE MACHINES AND US: HISTORIES AND FUTURES OF AI. ✨💥Featuring @ohalpern.bsky.social @mbfazi.bsky.social @aleenachia.bsky.social and more💥 tinyurl.com/bde6x7ub Please share widely!
Speculative Machines and Us: Histories and Futures of AI
We warmly invite colleagues to join us for an in-person one-day symposium on Thursday 17th July 2025. To join, please register using the link below. The event is organised by the Centre for Science…
wp.lancs.ac.uk
April 29, 2025 at 9:23 AM
✨Very excited to share details of our British Academy-funded one-day symposium at Lancaster University in July: SPECULATIVE MACHINES AND US: HISTORIES AND FUTURES OF AI. ✨💥Featuring @ohalpern.bsky.social @mbfazi.bsky.social @aleenachia.bsky.social and more💥 tinyurl.com/bde6x7ub Please share widely!
New podcast with me on AI, history, science, and the imagination
on.soundcloud.com/WlEH1X8r3hhE...
on.soundcloud.com/WlEH1X8r3hhE...
Preview | Orit Halpern on Agentic Imaginaries (NM88) 2025
This is a preview — for the full episode, subscribe: https://newmodels.io https://patreon.com/newmodels https://newmodels.substack.com
Our guest is Orit Halpern: co-author of The Smartness Mandate (M
on.soundcloud.com
June 19, 2025 at 3:44 AM
New podcast with me on AI, history, science, and the imagination
on.soundcloud.com/WlEH1X8r3hhE...
on.soundcloud.com/WlEH1X8r3hhE...
Reposted by Orit Halpern
It's out, free and open access:
Thinking _with_ AI: Machine Learning the Humanities.
11 essay on AI and how to think with it – by Peli Grietzer (@peligrietzer.bsky.social), Leif Weatherby (@leifw.bsky.social), Mercedes Bunz (@mrsbunz.bsky.social), Fabian Offert, Lev Manovich…
Thinking _with_ AI: Machine Learning the Humanities.
11 essay on AI and how to think with it – by Peli Grietzer (@peligrietzer.bsky.social), Leif Weatherby (@leifw.bsky.social), Mercedes Bunz (@mrsbunz.bsky.social), Fabian Offert, Lev Manovich…
Open Humanities Press– Thinking <em>with</em> AI
A scholar led open access publishing collective
www.openhumanitiespress.org
March 30, 2025 at 3:09 AM
It's out, free and open access:
Thinking _with_ AI: Machine Learning the Humanities.
11 essay on AI and how to think with it – by Peli Grietzer (@peligrietzer.bsky.social), Leif Weatherby (@leifw.bsky.social), Mercedes Bunz (@mrsbunz.bsky.social), Fabian Offert, Lev Manovich…
Thinking _with_ AI: Machine Learning the Humanities.
11 essay on AI and how to think with it – by Peli Grietzer (@peligrietzer.bsky.social), Leif Weatherby (@leifw.bsky.social), Mercedes Bunz (@mrsbunz.bsky.social), Fabian Offert, Lev Manovich…
My new article on planetary infrastructures out now and freely available:
link.springer.com/referencewor...
link.springer.com/referencewor...
Planetary Infrastructure
Recently, infrastructure has become an important discourse in academic and policy discussions. This chapter situates this sudden emergence and popularity of “infrastructure” as an obj...
link.springer.com
April 10, 2025 at 6:58 AM
My new article on planetary infrastructures out now and freely available:
link.springer.com/referencewor...
link.springer.com/referencewor...
Reposted by Orit Halpern
“It’s an escalation of a kind that is unheard of,” said Joan Scott, a historian & member of the academic freedom committee of the AAUP. “Even during the McCarthy period in the United States, this was not done.”
apnews.com/article/colu...
apnews.com/article/colu...
Trump demands unprecedented control at Columbia, alarming scholars and speech groups
The Trump administration has delivered an extraordinary ultimatum to Columbia University, threatening to permanently end federal funding to the school unless it cedes control of an international studi...
apnews.com
March 15, 2025 at 1:22 AM
“It’s an escalation of a kind that is unheard of,” said Joan Scott, a historian & member of the academic freedom committee of the AAUP. “Even during the McCarthy period in the United States, this was not done.”
apnews.com/article/colu...
apnews.com/article/colu...
The destruction of scientific research is also destroying the future. It’s not just a matter of funding but also of modes of inquiry, and education, a nation that cannot ask questions cannot create anything or imagine anything new
www.technologyreview.com/2025/02/21/1...
www.technologyreview.com/2025/02/21/1...
The foundations of America’s prosperity are being dismantled
Federal scientists warn that Americans could feel the effects of the new administration's devastating cuts for decades to come.
www.technologyreview.com
March 7, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The destruction of scientific research is also destroying the future. It’s not just a matter of funding but also of modes of inquiry, and education, a nation that cannot ask questions cannot create anything or imagine anything new
www.technologyreview.com/2025/02/21/1...
www.technologyreview.com/2025/02/21/1...
Reposted by Orit Halpern
Genuinely having trouble believing this is where we are now.
"In an unprecedented move, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has begun mass terminations of research grants that fund active scientific projects [Studies that touch on LGBT+ health, gender identity, and DEI ] because they no longer meet 'agency priorities'..."
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Exclusive: NIH to terminate hundreds of active research grants
Studies that touch on LGBT+ health, gender identity and DEI in the biomedical workforce could be terminated, according to documents obtained by Nature.
www.nature.com
March 6, 2025 at 4:06 AM
Genuinely having trouble believing this is where we are now.
Reposted by Orit Halpern
I am excited to be running for the SD 31 seat. I have been a dedicated civil and economic rights advocate my entire career. I have helped pass significant civil rights legislation at the Capitol. Colorado has a vital role to play as a beacon of hope, progress, and justice in the next four years.
It's a State Senate Debate! Who Will Fill the SD31 Vacancy?
This time, you're invited inside the proverbial shadowy backroom.
www.eventbrite.com
December 16, 2024 at 7:57 PM
I am excited to be running for the SD 31 seat. I have been a dedicated civil and economic rights advocate my entire career. I have helped pass significant civil rights legislation at the Capitol. Colorado has a vital role to play as a beacon of hope, progress, and justice in the next four years.
Planetary Design: Reclaiming Futures Exhibition is now Live!!!! A three part publication and art exhibition engaging the future of the planet.
againstcatastrophe.net
Part of the Against Catastrophe Research Group, directed by Orit Halpern and funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation
againstcatastrophe.net
Part of the Against Catastrophe Research Group, directed by Orit Halpern and funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation
Against Catastrophe
A research collective at the intersection of critical design, social sciences, humanities, and art. With the rise of speculative design practices on a planetary scale, we make it our mission to reflec...
againstcatastrophe.net
December 19, 2024 at 3:19 PM
Planetary Design: Reclaiming Futures Exhibition is now Live!!!! A three part publication and art exhibition engaging the future of the planet.
againstcatastrophe.net
Part of the Against Catastrophe Research Group, directed by Orit Halpern and funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation
againstcatastrophe.net
Part of the Against Catastrophe Research Group, directed by Orit Halpern and funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation
Deeply concerning letter by Ted Cruz claiming foreign I fluency on AI policy in USA and seeking censorship of engagement with European policy makers and against academics or critics of AI
www.commerce.senate.gov/services/fil...
www.commerce.senate.gov/services/fil...
www.commerce.senate.gov
December 3, 2024 at 2:54 PM
Deeply concerning letter by Ted Cruz claiming foreign I fluency on AI policy in USA and seeking censorship of engagement with European policy makers and against academics or critics of AI
www.commerce.senate.gov/services/fil...
www.commerce.senate.gov/services/fil...
Reposted by Orit Halpern
We are looking for new colleagues @geogdurham.bsky.social & any questions just ask. Just think, next year you too could be at the Xmas party bake-off 🙌
Job Alert - @GeogDurham is seeking applications for two permanent Human Geography Assistant Professorships - durham.taleo.net/careersectio... closing date 11:59pm on 12th January 2025
Assistant Professor in Human Geography (GEOG_01 %26 02)
Click the link provided to see the complete job description.
durham.taleo.net
November 29, 2024 at 5:15 PM
We are looking for new colleagues @geogdurham.bsky.social & any questions just ask. Just think, next year you too could be at the Xmas party bake-off 🙌
New book out! Of interest to anyone working on logistics, infrastructure, and politics in media studies. With articles by myself and a range of amazing people! Edited by Marc Steinberg and Joshua Neves!
networkcultures.org/blog/publica...
TOD #54 In/Convenience: Inhabiting the Logistical Surround
Theory on Demand #54In/Convenience: Inhabiting the Logistical SurroundEdited by Joshua Neves and Marc SternbergConvenience is the feeling and aspiration that animates
networkcultures.org
November 27, 2024 at 12:43 AM
New book out! Of interest to anyone working on logistics, infrastructure, and politics in media studies. With articles by myself and a range of amazing people! Edited by Marc Steinberg and Joshua Neves!
networkcultures.org/blog/publica...
For everyone who thinks the democrats just need to change their stance on transgender rights… this excellent article demonstrates precisely how this is part of a broader republican strategy and what is at stake www.nytimes.com/2024/11/22/o...
Opinion | The Secret Behind America’s Moral Panic
Trans rights aren’t just trans rights. They’re reproductive rights.
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2024 at 5:34 AM
For everyone who thinks the democrats just need to change their stance on transgender rights… this excellent article demonstrates precisely how this is part of a broader republican strategy and what is at stake www.nytimes.com/2024/11/22/o...
Experimental event in Vienna starting tomorrow for those in twin and interested in media, imaginaires, and new practices… so necessary in our present:
ail.angewandte.at/program/medi...
ail.angewandte.at/program/medi...
ail.angewandte.at
November 19, 2024 at 9:33 AM
Experimental event in Vienna starting tomorrow for those in twin and interested in media, imaginaires, and new practices… so necessary in our present:
ail.angewandte.at/program/medi...
ail.angewandte.at/program/medi...
Reposted by Orit Halpern
"To be as clear as I can be, the second Trump administration with Elon Musk embedded within it represents the most direct and sustained threat to the First Amendment and the freedom of the press any of us will ever experience."
The Verge Editor-In-Chief Nilay Patel breathes fire on Elon Musk and Donald Trump's Big Tech enablers
"All of these men are now hopelessly trapped in a problem their own platforms and algorithms created."
www.status.news
November 18, 2024 at 10:16 PM
"To be as clear as I can be, the second Trump administration with Elon Musk embedded within it represents the most direct and sustained threat to the First Amendment and the freedom of the press any of us will ever experience."
Sharing my recent interview with Clarín magazine. It was a privelage to get to discuss neo-liberalism, AI, reactionary politics and education with informed journalists at this moment in politics both in Argentina and around the world…
www-clarin-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.clar...
www-clarin-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.clar...
Orit Halpern: "La educación es tan importante porque ahí es donde formamos y enseñamos a la gente a pensar de otra manera"
"Cada vez más la inteligencia artificial desafía esa idea, de no poder distinguir entre una máquina y un ser humano", advierte Halpern.Friedrich Hayek encontró similitudes entre la actividad cerebral ...
www-clarin-com.cdn.ampproject.org
November 12, 2024 at 8:07 PM
Sharing my recent interview with Clarín magazine. It was a privelage to get to discuss neo-liberalism, AI, reactionary politics and education with informed journalists at this moment in politics both in Argentina and around the world…
www-clarin-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.clar...
www-clarin-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.clar...
Published in Science Breakthrough Radar a report supported by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Accelerator on Ecoaugmentation authored by myself and colleagues.We examine the possible futures and ethics of Ecoaugmentation
radar.gesda.global/the-philosop...
radar.gesda.global/the-philosop...
The Philosophical Lens: Eco-augmentation: Shaping the future of social-ecological systems - GESDA
The current state of the planet, marked by climate change and biodiversity loss, presents one of humanity’s most urgent challenges, further exacerbated by...
radar.gesda.global
November 12, 2024 at 8:04 PM
Published in Science Breakthrough Radar a report supported by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Accelerator on Ecoaugmentation authored by myself and colleagues.We examine the possible futures and ethics of Ecoaugmentation
radar.gesda.global/the-philosop...
radar.gesda.global/the-philosop...