30 September UNLH Community LAB - Artificial intelligence & society

Join UNLH for its fifth interactive community lab session, this time we are exploring artificial intelligence and society.

Our community lab is an inviting space for community members to learn about emerging technologies that will affect their lives and discuss what they can do in response. No prior knowledge or experience in the topic is needed, just bring your own perspective and curiosity.

We will be hosting a panel discussion bringing together scientists, technologists, community members & policy makers  to discuss the societal implications of Artificial intelligence.

What does it mean for our futures?

What do we need to consider in terms of legislation around this emerging technology?

What are the benefits to society?

What are the risks involved ?

• Questions/topics for panellists from the moderator:
  • on the risks and opportunities of technologies and their governance
  • on the "usefulness" of library community labs and similar engagement experiences
• Questions for panellist from the audience.

Panellists on the day:

Dan McQuillan. Dan is Lecturer in Creative & Social Computing in the Department of Computing. He has a PhD in Experimental Particle Physics, and prior to academia he worked as Amnesty International's Director of E-communications. His research focuses on the resonances between forms of computational operation and their specific social consequences, especially in relation to machine learning & AI. His book 'Resisting AI' was recently published by Bristol University Press.

Councillor Ryan Thompson. Ryan’s 9 – 5 is as a strategist at Ogilvy, which keeps him at the forefront of technology and all of its many uses. Beyond this, he is also one of the local Crystal Palace and Anerley Councillors in Bromley – giving him a unique perspective on both sides of this hot topic debate.

Councillor Patsy Cummings has a background in community organising and working with young people of all ages. 'Providing young people with the tools to achieve concrete goals and real opportunities has always been one of my goals.' Patsy is a Croydon Councillor with a proven track record of delivering for our diverse communities.

Caspar Kennerdale is the founder of Clear Community Web a local Social Enterprise supporting older people and vulnerable adults to build confidence with technology. In 2022 they worked with over 500 local residents through a programme of Digital Drop-Ins, Courses, Workshops and Home Support. He is particularly interested in the social advances technology can bring, when used responsibly, and the relationship people have with technology and change

Suzy Madigan is a human rights specialist with over 15 years of experience responding to humanitarian crises and conflicts for international relief agencies, governments and the United Nations. She has deployed to more than 15 emergencies including the Beirut Port Explosion, Haiti’s earthquake, the war in Ukraine, and the ISIS occupation of Iraq. She examines the implications of artificial intelligence for society, particularly Global South communities, through her regular blog on Medium, The Machine Race

Doors open: 2:00pm

Event start time: 2:30pm - 4.30pm

This event will also be available  as an online event, please specify at checkout 

The UNLH Community Lab is an exciting new initiative to support community decision-making, offering community members a chance to better understand and shape the emerging technologies that will be a part of their daily lives. The Lab will host five sessions across the year on various topics related to AI and its impact on society. The Lab is in partnership with the Responsible Technology Institute at Oxford University and Orbit - RRI Ltd, funded by the Minderoo programme. For more information visit: https://www.rti.ox.ac.uk/2022/11/07/minderoo-unlocking-the-potential-for-community-decision-making-on-technology-future/