Human beings central in AI event TAISIG
On February 22, the TAISIG Event 'Human Centric AI: Tilburg University perspective' took place; TAISIG is the Tilburg University Artificial Intelligence Special Interest Group. During this joint initiative of Tilburg University and MindLabs, researchers came together to share their views on Artificial Intelligence (AI); with each other, the online audience and the visitors. In addition, the position that the university should take regarding AI related research was discussed. The program was led by Mirjam Siesling (MindLabs program manager at Tilburg University) and Julija Vaitonyte (PhD Candidate TSHD and initiator of AI Forward Forum).
Position Paper
After a short historical introduction on the relationship between AI and Tilburg University by Professor Emile Aarts, scientists Marie Postma, Esther Keymolen and Kenny Meesters gave speeches. They shone their light on the TAISIG Position Paper and handed over the first edition to Professor Wim van de Donk, rector magnificus and chairman of the Executive Board of Tilburg University.
WRR report
Following the Position Paper, Professor Corien Prins discussed the WRR-report 'Mission AI, The New System Technology'. As Professor of Law and Informatization and Chair of the Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR), she elaborated on the developments of AI in various fields. But also on how a small country such as the Netherlands can 'run with the big boys’ when it comes to AI (think of countries like the United States and China). Professor Aarts and Professor Ton Wilthagen reflected on the WRR report. Wilthagen made it clear that a positive cooperation with AI starts with the education of children. By teaching them about AI and ethics, and familiarizing them with robots and AI you can prevent possible negative consequences. That was the reason why Wilthagen recently wrote the book 'Roosbot', especially for children aged 10 to 12. Roosbot will be officially presented during Tilburg University's Children's University on April 13, 2022.
Cross-faculty AI minor
The educational streak was continued by lecturer Henry Brighton. He presented the plans of the new cross-faculty AI minor. The goal is to make this minor available to all Tilburg students starting next academic school year.
Q&A between viewers and speakers
After a number of interesting online questions via Zoom, the afternoon concluded with drinks for all those who were physically present. People reflected on an interesting afternoon full of new information and food for thought.
The TAISIG Event ‘Human Centered AI: The Tilburg University Perspective’
Fortunately, we don't have to wait long until the next TAISIG Talk. The following meeting takes place on March 17. Would you like to be there? Keep an eye on the TAISIG website for the registration link. TAISIG is specialised in AI-methodologie & -algoritm, AI-concepts and -applications, en ELSA (Ethical, Legal and Societal Aspects of AI)
More information on Mindlabs: https://www.mind-labs.eu/