Disciplines represented included history, geography, law, international relations, literature, linguistics, visual arts, journalism, cultural anthropology, and architecture. Topics ranged from the use of drone technology in a biomedical, pill sized camera, called PillCam; the reasons why objective surveillance footage can be susceptible to individual subjectivities and biases; the way drones feature in contemporary Palestinian literature; the challenges of thinking about autonomous warfare within international human rights law; and the emotional attachments that drone hobbyists have for play drones.
There were two keynotes by distinguished guests: Professor Derek Gregory from the 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ of British Columbia, and Dr Antoine Bousquet from Birkbeck, 9 1Ãâ·Ñ°æÏ of London. In addition to the research presentations, there was an art exhibition which showcased the work of two of the artist-researchers, Joseph DeLappe and Kathryn Brimblecombe-Fox, at the conference; this portion was open to the general public in Jessop West foyer. There was also a pre-conference workshop, led by the non-profit organisation Drone Wars UK, who shared their research methodologies for bridging research with activist work.
This event was sponsored by a British Academy Rising Star Engagement Award held by Dr Beryl Pong.