Science Across Borders

February 7, 2024 – 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, Auditorium 201 -320 E. 9th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Damien Williams, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Data Science, UNC Charlotte

In thinking about the possibilities and risks of techno scientific research, we must consider the ways in which our stated desired outcomes conflict with the processes by which we seek to attain them. In particular, when considering the breadth and potential impact of research into so-called artificial intelligence, researchers must consider what it means to ostensibly seek to create systems which can interpret and apply natural human language and concepts, but which are designed, built and trained in ways which almost guarantee that certain kinds of humans will be excluded from and possibly even harmed by these systems. Taking cues from Mila Rosenthal, executive director of International Science Reserve, of how we might engage with climate crisis and climate action across borders, Williams will discuss flaws, benefits and possibilities of the present and future frameworks for artificial intelligence research in academia as well as in the public and private sectors.