From the ancient tale of Gilgamesh to Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein, the dream of immortality has long captured the imagination of writers and scientists. But how close are we to conquering death? In a conversation moderated by Simon Longstaff, neuro-ethicist S. Matthew Liao speaks with stem cell-researcher John Rasko about the age of regenerative medicine, the heroes and fraudsters of the past, and the reality of a distant future where genetic engineering helps humans to colonise future planets.

S. Matthew Liao is a philosopher specialising bioethics.

John Rasko is an Australian clinical haematologist, pathologist and scientist, pioneering in the application of adult stem cells and genetic therapies. 

Produced by The Festival of Dangerous Ideas, The Ethics Centre and Audiocraft.