AI and Society Conference: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a wealth of inspiration for dreamers and seers alike. The free AI and Society Conference aims to separate AI fact from fiction in the midst of heated debate. The SAILS (Social, Artificial Intelligence and Life Sciences) research program is interdisciplinary, meaning Leiden researchers can consider the impact of his AI technology from all possible perspectives. “We think it’s important to share this knowledge, especially with all the hype around AI right now,” says co-organizer and researcher Ann Mewes.

obsolete job

She cites the well-known example of ChatGPT. A handy tool or a language model that makes a ton of work obsolete? “You have to see what ChatGPT is, a tool that creates text based on existing online sources. And yes, this tool is It will be much better in the future at finding sources and creating links, but it won’t be able to create original new data.Experts say ChatGPT’s improvements are limited. ChatGPT and other large language models will be covered extensively at the conference.

active use

And Muwevese stresses the importance of focusing on positive ways in which AI can be used in society. “For example, promoting diversity in society. We will have a separate panel on this at the conference.” Such nuances and new perspectives will emerge during the conference.

cutting edge

The event is primarily aimed at policy makers, academics, and those working in the wider AI world. “But everyone is welcome. We need a broader social debate about AI,” he adds Meuwese. What can visitors expect? “A new perspective – what the heck is going on in all the subfields of AI?” Concrete options for the balance between the use of innovation and perceptions of social progress.

Muwwese, a professor and researcher on EU legislation specifically on AI, sees Dutch policymakers struggling with the timing of AI legislation. “Many of them find it difficult to know what they can do at a time when the AI ​​law is being negotiated in Brussels and the AI ​​treaty in Strasbourg. We need to have a good understanding of the state-of-the-art of the industry, and that is what we are offering at this conference.” The same state-of-the-art is clearly important to academics both inside and outside Leiden University. With plenty of time set aside for in-depth discussions in panel discussions and networking opportunities, you’re guaranteed to be on the cutting edge of science.

Meuwese is looking forward to the different perspectives on AI that will be revealed during the conference. “AI is permeating more and more organizations. Kathleen Ferrier from UNESCO will also be speaking. I can’t wait to hear her perspective. We want to be able to understand it better.”