Imagining the next half-century of science
The last 50 years have reshaped our world with breakthroughs once thought impossible—from the birth of the internet to decoding the human genome and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence. As CBC Radio’s science program Quirks & Quarks marks its 50th anniversary, a panel of Canada’s leading researchers gathered at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics to brainstorm what the next five decades could bring. Their conversations reveal a future where science tackles fundamental questions and practical challenges alike, redefining how we live, eat, learn, and understand the universe.
Modernizing farming for a growing planet
Feeding a projected 10.3 billion people by the mid-2080s will demand more than higher yields. Evan Fraser, director of the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, argues for a systems-level approach that links production with sustainability, nutrition, and climate mitigation. He notes that agriculture currently accounts for a large share of greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need to rethink farming across the supply chain.
Innovations already underway show promise. Drones are used to map fields and apply precise amounts of herbicide, reducing chemical use. Groundbreaking work in soil science explores microbial fertilizers that enable plants to fix nitrogen with far less energy, cutting costs and environmental impact. In labs, precision fermentation is enabling microbes to produce proteins and fats—think milk, pork fat, and whey—without the same land and water demands as traditional farming. Taken together, these advances point toward a future where food production aligns with planetary health while preserving nutrition and flavor.
Beating climate change with cleaner energy
While the threat of climate change can feel overwhelming, Laura Tozer of the University of Toronto Scarborough emphasizes a pragmatic path forward: replace fossil fuels with renewables and modernize the grid to accommodate intermittent power sources. She envisions homes—rural farms and urban apartments alike—being powered by integrated clean energy systems, aided by innovations that reduce costs and complexity. The goal isn’t merely invention but widespread adoption, making renewable energy the default rather than the exception.
Genetics—and the move toward personalized medicine
Genomics researcher Yvonne Bombard highlights a surge in personalized medicine as a defining trend of the coming decades. By linking treatments to an individual’s genetic profile, doctors could tailor drug dosages and lifestyle recommendations, potentially catching diseases earlier or even preventing them. Yet Bombard also cautions that current genomic data underrepresents many populations, which can limit accuracy and benefits across diverse groups. Ensuring broad participation and equitable access will be essential to realizing the full promise of genomic medicine.
Towards bionic humans and enhanced capability
Looking at human augmentation, researchers like Ana Luisa Trejos are exploring wearable exoskeletons andbrain-computer interfaces that translate intention into movement. The next wave could see soft, sensor-rich garments powered by a user’s own energy, enabling not just improved mobility but possibilities that extend beyond natural limits. While these technologies raise questions about safety, access, and ethics, they also offer the potential to restore function, expand capability, and redefine what’s possible for athletes and everyday users alike.
Unraveling the deepest mysteries of the cosmos
The quest to understand the universe remains urgent. The majority of the cosmos is still unseen: dark matter and dark energy together shape galaxies and cosmic expansion, yet their nature eludes us. Katie Mack, a theoretical astrophysicist at the Perimeter Institute, describes how researchers probe these mysteries—from underground labs to colossal particle colliders. The next 50 years could bring breakthroughs that illuminate the unseen scaffolding of reality and possibly reveal new physics that rewrites our understanding of space, time, and matter.
Artificial intelligence: practical tools with ethical questions
AI is already deeply embedded in daily life, with tools that mimic human conversation and automate complex tasks. Yet experts like Luke Stark of Western University urge cautious optimism. He doubts that machines will achieve true human-level reasoning in the near term, but notes that governance—who creates and controls AI, and how it’s integrated into society—will define the technology’s impact. The coming decades will likely see AI evolve as a powerful tool, paired with policies and safeguards designed to maximize benefit while minimizing harm.
Across farming, energy, medicine, human capability, cosmology, and AI, the next 50 years promise a world that is more interconnected and more capable—provided we balance innovation with responsibility, inclusivity, and a commitment to the health of our planet.
