Dear Colleagues,

The Digital Humanities Research Hub at the School of Advanced Study, University of London is excited to invite you to the first two sessions of our virtual seminar series on Representations of Artificial Intelligence: "On hallucinations, spark(l)ing intelligence and the apocalypse". 

In the seminar, we scrutinize representations of "intelligent machines", and discuss how memes, literature, gender stereotypes, and colonial histories shape AI and the role it plays in today's society. Conceived as a series of conversations, the seminar brings together experts from across the arts, humanities, and computational sciences to reflect on the social and cultural influences shaping the development of AI technologies. All are welcome! 

AI, Science Fiction and Imagined Technological Futures 

Wednesday 22 November 2023 

12:30-14:00 GMT 

In this session, we discuss how science fiction, (especially the dys- or utopian portrayal of technological futures) percolates in current discussions of AI.    

Panelists include: 

• Hallvard Haug, Writer and researcher 
• Ada Hoffmann, Science Fiction writer and Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Queen's University
• Chen Jing, Associate Professor of the School of Arts, Nanjing University 
• Anna McFarlane, Lecturer in Medical Humanities, University of Leeds 

AI Branding, Memes & Narratives 

Thursday 7th December 2023 

12:00 – 13:30 GMT 

In this session, we discuss the representation of AI from the angle of communication and design. We have a closer look at the images, narratives memes and metaphors used to portray AI, and aim understand their wider political and ideological implications.  

Panelists include: 

• Tania Duarte, Co-Founder and CEO of ‘We and AI’ 
• Tomasz Hollanek, Research Fellow, Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, University of Cambridge
• Nadia Piet, Designer / Researcher / Founder AIxDESIGN
• Valérie Schafer, Professor in Contemporary European History, University of Luxembourg, C2DH  

If you have any questions about the series, please email the facilitators Michael Donnay and Kaspar Beelen at digitalhumanities@sas.ac.uk.

You can find the rest of our seminar programme and register at the DH Research Hub website. 

Best wishes (and apologies for cross posting),

Kaspar and Michael

Michael Donnay (he/him)
Manager | Digital Humanities Research Hub

School of Advanced Study | University of London

Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU

michael.donnay@sas.ac.uk

www.sas.ac.uk/digital-humanities

The University of London is an exempt charity and a statutory corporation in England and Wales (Company No. RC000661) HMRC Charities Reference X422. VAT Registration GB 222 7971 03.