The Centre for Dialogue 2013 Annual Lecture as delivered by bioethicist Julian Savulescu on 19 September. Prof Savulescu is Director of the Institute for Science and Ethics, University of Oxford. The public lecture, attended by around 300 people, was held at St Michael’s on Collins, an iconic Melbourne landmark. Prof Savulescu spoke at length about the possibilities for genetic and pharmaceutical interventions, and how these might enhance human behaviour, extend lifespans and ensure the survival of our species.