Practical information
This roundtable event on Responsible AI in Research is co-hosted by the Research Centre for Digitalisation, Democracy and Innovation (CD2I) from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Microsoft. It aims to bring together researchers, students, and practitioners from various domains and sectors to explore the opportunities and benefits of applying artificial intelligence (AI) in research in an ethical and responsible manner.
About the Series
Microsoft is organizing several roundtables aimed at young professionals based around our “5 Ideas for Europe for the Next 5 Years”. These roundtables aim to partner with various organizations to bring in new, young perspectives on technology in the coming years.
We have several events planned:
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Protecting and Securing Democracy. March 21, 2024. With Young Professionals in Foreign Policy.
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Innovation and Growth. April 25, 2024. With AmCham EU.
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Sustainability and Energy. June 2024. With Youth EPP (YEPP).
Event Description
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world of research, offering new possibilities for enhancing and accelerating scientific discovery, innovation, and impact. AI can help generate new insights and improve research outcomes and efficiency. AI can also diversify researchers, enabling them to access and analyse large and diverse data sources, and communicate their findings and recommendations to various audiences and stakeholders.
At the same time, discussions on ethical use of AI in research are needed. Blind trust never serves research well. Such questions include where does AI aid and improve research, how do we improve AI within research opportunities, how are AI systems designed and by whom, for which disciplines and problems use of AI is most promising, which ethical requirements are relevant to research, when is a dataset trustworthy, and how one could credit AI in methodology and authorship?
The roundtable event on Responsible AI in Research aims to create a space for dialogue and exchange among +/- 25 researchers, students, and practitioners who are interested in or affected by AI and its applications in research. The event will feature a roundtable discussion with experts and practitioners who will share their experiences and perspectives on how AI can advance research and address the challenges and opportunities in the research community.
The participants will be asked to share how they use AI in their research projects, such as data analysis, literature review, and collaboration, and insights to where AI could be useful in their work. The presentations will highlight the benefits and limitations of AI for research, and the tools and resources available for researchers to use AI effectively and ethically. The event will be concluded with a networking reception with refreshments.
Objectives
- To demystify AI as an abstract concept and understand the limitations and opportunities the technology entails for different specific use cases and contexts
- To showcase the best practices and examples of responsible AI in research across various domains and sectors
- To provide participants with practical knowledge and skills on how to use AI in research in an ethical and responsible manner, including those cases where it should not be used
- To inspire and empower the next generation of researchers and leaders in the field of AI
Format and Agenda
The event will take place in person, on 29 May 2024, 18:00-19:30, at the Microsoft Innovation Center, Rue Montoyer 51, Brussels.
- Welcome and introduction by the co-hosts
- Introduction of participants
- Roundtable discussion with experts and practitioners on responsible AI in research
- Networking and reception
The event is open to academics, researchers, policymakers, and young professionals who are interested in AI and its applications in research, regardless of their background, discipline, or level of expertise.
As spaces are limited, we will review the applications and contact those selected. Please fill in the form below.