The university library hall was once again almost full to capacity at the start of the guest lecture programme. In addition to long-standing regular guests, there were many new faces.

A welcoming address by the University President, Prof Dr Ralph Bruder, was followed by an exciting lecture by Prof Dr Mark Schweda from the Department of Health Services Research. Entitled "Who wants to live forever?", the talk focussed on radical life extension from an ethical perspective.

Modern medicine has taken up the fight against ageing. With the help of medical and biotechnological measures, the ageing process is to be slowed down, halted or even reversed and human life considerably extended. In his lecture, Schweda asked to what extent a victory over ageing would be desirable and morally justifiable. This raises very different questions: Is ageing a disease? Does more life automatically mean more happiness? What responsibility do we have for future generations? Will immortality become boring at some point?

Around 500 people with a thirst for knowledge take part in the guest lecture programme every semester. Registration is still possible until 30 October at https://uol.de/gasthoerstudium