What do automatic doors, mobile phones, and smart speakers have in common? They were all imagined decades ago in science fiction, and now they’re part of our everyday lives. This year’s IET Hereford and Worcester Christmas Lecture, “The Science of Star Trek”, promises to be a fascinating journey through the technologies that sci-fi got right, those it got hilariously wrong, and the ones engineers still dream of making real.
Presented by retired chartered engineer Richard Baker , the lecture will explore how science fiction, especially Star Trek, has shaped our technological landscape and inspired generations of engineers. With a career spanning fire detection systems, rail safety, and even battery-powered trains, Richard brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this year’s festive event.
Engineering Inspired by Sci-Fi
Richard’s love for engineering was sparked in the 1960s, watching groundbreaking shows like Thunderbirds, Doctor Who, and Star Trek. “I wanted to build gadgets with flashing lights,” he recalls. “Star Trek made me want to be an engineer.”
That early fascination led to a career in design and project management, from fire safety systems to CCTV on trains, and even a patent-pending fast-charging system for battery-powered rail vehicles. But it’s the imaginative power of sci-fi that continues to fuel his curiosity, and this lecture is his way of sharing that excitement.
Star Trek’s Surprising Accuracy
One of the central themes of the lecture is how Star Trek predicted many of today’s technologies with uncanny precision. Richard will show video clips from the original series and ask attendees to spot familiar devices.
“Star Trek absolutely predicted the future incredibly well,” he says. “Every episode you watch, you’ll think, ‘Gosh, we’ve got that today.’”
Even the concept of wearable health trackers, like smartwatches, was foreshadowed by Star Trek’s medical scanners. And while the show’s transporter beam remains firmly in the realm of fiction, Richard invites attendees to imagine the possibilities: “What if you could walk into a glass tube in London and step out in Sydney?”
Technology That Missed the Mark
Of course, not all sci-fi predictions hit the target. Richard points to robots as a prime example of what science fiction got wrong. “In the 1950s and 60s, robots were bizarre contraptions with metallic voices,” he laughs. “Today, we have smart speakers that sound like pleasant humans and don’t look like humanoids at all.”
He also reflects on how sci-fi often failed to anticipate the subtle, software-driven nature of modern technology. “We don’t need clunky machines anymore. The real magic is in the code.”
Cultural Impact and Diversity in Sci-Fi
Beyond technology, Star Trek was groundbreaking in its portrayal of diversity. Richard highlights Lieutenant Uhura, a black woman in a senior role on the bridge of the Enterprise, as a powerful symbol of inclusion. “In the 1960s, that was unheard of,” he says. “She became an ambassador for NASA, encouraging women, especially black women, to pursue careers in space and science.”
The show’s multicultural cast and progressive themes helped shape public attitudes and inspired real-world change. “Star Trek was ahead of its time in so many ways,” Richard adds.
Ethics and the Future of Innovation
The lecture also touches on the ethical dimensions of technology. Richard warns against complacency and urges engineers to consider the unintended consequences of innovation. “When Einstein split the atom, did he think we’d make bombs with it? Probably not.”
He encourages attendees to think critically about the tools we create, from laser weapons to AI, and to ask whether they serve humanity or pose new risks. “We need to be cautious,” he says. “Technology can be turned against us if we’re not careful.”
Interactive and Family-Friendly
Far from a traditional lecture, The Science of Star Trek is designed to be interactive and engaging. Richard will invite the audience to identify technologies in video clips, share their predictions for the future, and reflect on how sci-fi has shaped their own perceptions.
“I’m hoping for astonishment,” he says. “Especially from younger people who’ve never seen the original Star Trek.”
No prior knowledge of Star Trek is required, just curiosity and a willingness to explore. “Whatever you need to know, you’ll be told,” Richard assures. “It’s open to all.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Technology?
So what does Richard think the next 20 years will bring? Robotics and AI, without a doubt. He envisions a future where classrooms are replaced by intelligent machines and where software becomes increasingly sophisticated.
“Maybe someone will invent the Heisenberg corrector,” he jokes, referencing a fictional solution to quantum uncertainty from Star Trek lore.
But his message to young engineers is serious: “Think the unthinkable. Imagine the unimaginable. Don’t accept boundaries.”
He challenges the next generation to go beyond incremental improvements and aim for breakthroughs that change lives, like helping the blind to see or the paralyzed to walk.
Why You Should Attend
Whether you’re a sci-fi fan, an engineer, or just curious about the future, this year’s Christmas Lecture offers something for everyone. It’s a chance to reflect on how imagination drives innovation, how fiction becomes fact, and how we can shape the world of tomorrow.
Expect surprises, laughter, and plenty of “aha” moments as Richard Baker takes you on a journey from the bridge of the Enterprise to the smart devices in your home.
So beam yourself up to the IET Hereford and Worcester Christmas Lecture, you won’t want to miss it!
Event Details: The Science of Star Trek
Date: Monday 1st December 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Science Centre, Malvern College, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3DF
️ Admission: Free and open to all
Audience: Suitable for families, students, engineers, and sci-fi fans of all ages
Registration: Find out more and register online
Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear from you! What’s your favourite sci-fi prediction that came true, or one you wish would?
- A sci-fi gadget you’d love to invent
- Your prediction for what life will look like in 2085
- Whether you think Star Trek got it right, or hilariously wrong!
Share your thoughts in the comments below