Murray is Professor of Cognitive Robotics at Imperial College London and Principal Research Scientist at Google DeepMind.
In his talk, “Palatable Conceptions of Disembodied Being”, Professor Shanahan explored whether large language models like ChatGPT could ever be considered conscious. He pointed out that while these systems can sound impressively human, they don’t live in the world with us—they don’t see, move, or share our experiences. Because of this lack of embodiment, he argued, it doesn’t really make sense to treat them as conscious in the way we think of people or animals. Perhaps, instead, what they do is more like playing a role—convincing, maybe, but not the real thing.
We were joined by staff and students from several universities and companies. The talk was followed by some insightful questions, and lots of discussion over drinks and nibbles.
Thank you to Professor Shanahan and our host Professor Jun Wang for a wonderful event.
Two Bartlett Academics Honoured at the Architecture Book of the Year Awards
Prof Eva Branscome was the winner of the Building Monograph category, and Prof Bob Sheil and his fellow editors were commended for FABRICATE 2024.
12 Dec 2025
UCL STEaPP's Researcher and Doctoral Candidate at the APPAM 47th Annual Research Conference
Last month STEaPP's staff member Dr Remy Twiringiyimana and doctoral student Mr Kwabena Ampong participated in the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) Annual Conference.
12 Dec 2025
Prof. Özgür Yazaydın’s research featured in 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry report
We are delighted to share that research by Professor Özgür Yazaydın, from UCL Chemical Engineering, has been recognised in the Scientific Background to the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
10 Dec 2025
