MIT Generative AI Week attracted significant participation from faculty, staff, and individuals representing various departments across the university in late November. The week-long event comprised a notable full-day symposium and four specialized symposia dedicated to exploring the potential applications and opportunities of conceptual artificial intelligence technologies in diverse fields.
MIT President Sally Kornbluth, who introduced the initiative earlier in the fall, emphasized the importance of these events in guiding society through the transformative impacts of relational AI. The aim is to understand its potential, address associated risks, and harness its capabilities for the greater good.
MIT Generative AI: Shaping the Future Conference
The MIT Generative AI: Shaping the Future conference kicked off the week with presentations from two distinguished speakers and opening remarks by President Kornbluth. The morning session featured a keynote address by Professor Emeritus Rodney Brooks, a renowned figure in robotics and artificial intelligence. The afternoon keynote was delivered by Refik Anadol, a prominent media artist exploring the convergence of relational AI and art, along with the application of data sculpting and digital architecture in physical spaces.
The conference included panel discussions covering various aspects of conceptual AI, such as its foundations, portrayal in science fiction, practical applications, ethical considerations, and societal implications. The event concluded with a musical performance by guitarist and composer Paul Winter. The conference was chaired by Daniela Rus, the Andrew (1956) and Erna Viterbi Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), with Cynthia Breazeal and Sertac Karaman as co-chairs.
Screening of “Another System”
The screening of the film “Another System” marked the conclusion of MIT Generative AI Week. This award-winning film delves into the impact of deepfake technology, following a student’s quest for justice upon discovering her presence in online deepfake content.
Following the screening, a panel discussion was held with the film’s director, Rabab Haj Yahya, David Goldston from the MIT Washington Office, Catherine D’Ignazio, an associate professor and director of the Data + Feminism Lab, and Ananda Santos Figueiredo.
Forum on Generative AI and Education
The Forum on Generative AI and Education, drawing expertise from the broader MIT community, highlighted keynotes, panel discussions, and live demonstrations showcasing how generative AI is transforming educational practices across different levels—from K-12 education to workforce upskilling. The symposium featured a fireside chat titled “Will Generative AI Revolutionize Learning and Education?” along with sessions focusing on learner experiences, teaching methodologies, and visionary concepts from MIT.
The conference wrapped up with a development showcase, allowing attendees to interact directly with the latest research innovations from MIT. The symposium was co-chaired by Cynthia Breazeal and Christopher Capozzola, the senior associate dean for open learning and a history professor.
Generative AI + Health Symposium
The Generative AI + Health Symposium highlighted advancements in artificial intelligence related to human health and environmental well-being. Discussions revolved around developments in chemical modeling, sensor applications for healthcare improvement, climate change predictions, mobility optimization, and innovative material design. A panel of six MIT experts deliberated on the potential impacts of AI in these crucial domains.
Raffaele Ferrari, Polina Golland, Amy Keating, and Elsa Olivetti co-chaired this enlightening symposium, bringing their expertise from diverse fields within MIT.
Generative AI + Creativity Forum
The Generative AI + Creativity Forum brought together MIT faculty, researchers, and students to explore futuristic scenarios where AI-augmented systems enhance creativity and decision-making processes. Conversations centered on the collaboration between humans and AI, lifelong creativity supported by innovative tools and experiences, envisioning a more equitable future, ensuring AI transparency and trustworthiness, and promoting creative engagement across various stakeholders.
Dava Newman and John Ochsendorf co-chaired this forward-looking forum, investigating the intersection of AI with creativity and societal progress.
Generative AI + Impact on Commerce Symposium
The Generative AI + Impact on Commerce Symposium delved into the implications of AI on business operations. The event featured a diverse panel comprising MIT researchers, policymakers focusing on AI regulations, venture capitalists investing in AI technologies, and private equity investors leveraging AI for competitive advantages.
Vivek Farias and Simon Johnson co-chaired this symposium, shedding light on the evolving landscape of AI in commerce and its wide-ranging impacts.
