The Langley School will host its Distinguished Speaker Series featuring Vinton G. Cerf, Google vice president, next Thursday. This free event is open to the public and will be held in Langley’s Jeffrey J. Sherman Arts Center, 1411 Balls Hill Road, McLean.

During his talk – titled “Navigating the Internet’s Course” – Dr. Cerf will review the historical roots of the Internet, summarize the ongoing, recent and major changes to the system during 2012, and discuss the consequences of improved artificial intelligence, policy issues and security/safety risks. Looking to the future, he will share an overview of the interplanetary extension of the Internet as well as plans for a robotic mission to the star Alpha Centauri.

Dr. Cerf is responsible for identifying new enabling technologies to support the development of advanced, Internet-based products and services from Google.

While this event is free and tickets are not required, attendees are encouraged to RSVP at langleyschool.org. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.