Hosted by the Public and Community Engagement Hubs team, the launch of the new AI and Society Public and Community Engagement Hub has taken place.
The free event brought over 65 university staff, students and members of the city’s community together at the Network Eagle Lab, in the city centre, to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) and the benefits of using the technology throughout interdisciplinary research and local industry initiatives across Southampton.
Joined by local voluntary, community and social enterprise groups, attendees shared their experiences of AI during guided table discussions which aimed to encourage collaboration between professionals and organisations across Southampton.
Professor Les Carr, Deputy Director of the Web Science Institute, discussed the impact of global communications infrastructure on society and was supported by academics and industry professionals across the arts, engineering, health sciences and more. Collaborative conversations were centred around specific themes to propose solutions to challenges facing businesses and organisations in Southampton, including:
- AI, the Arts, and Social Justice
- Civic AI
- AI and Digital Productivity
- AI and Education
- AI and Health
- AI and Inclusive Media and Design
- AI and Sustainability.
As well as table discussions, there were a selection of virtual reality (VR) experiences for attendees to try, giving an in-depth look at media and design research projects incorporating VR technologies to enrich educational experiences.
At least 160 useful connections between attendees were logged at the event, helping to establish Southampton as a city focused on AI innovation – a common aim shared by the engagement hub, the Web Science Institute, and the newly launched AI@Southampton initiative.
Catering was provided by two Southampton-based non-profit organisations, Easy Tz Meals and Communibakes, and all leftover food was enjoyed by various community groups at the Southampton YMCA.
To get involved in future events or learn more about the AI and Society Community Engagement Hub, join the mailing list or email [email protected].