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Responsible AI and the many dimensions of artificial intelligence

The second ECDF and Elsevier ‘Conversations on Science in the Digital Future’ panel explores responsible AI

By Max Voegler, PhD - May 4, 2023 3 mins

The panel featured (from left) journalist Katharina Heckendorf, moderator; Dr. Felix Biessmann, Professor of Data Science at ECDF and Berlin University of Applied Sciences; Dr Harry Muncey, Director Data Science and Responsible AI at Elsevier; and Tabea Rößner, Member of the Bundestag for Bündnis 90/Die Grünen and Chair of the Digital Committee. (Photo © ECDF/PR/berlin-eventfotograf.de).

The number of platforms and services that provide research information and analytics, and the developing capabilities of these tools, continues to grow as computer power increases, technologies get more sophisticated, and the volume of information and data expands.

Supporting the research community in this new digital era requires an open and proactive conversation about data. That’s why, together with the Einstein Center Digital Future (ECDF), we have set up the 'Conversations on Science in the Digital Future' initiative. We hope these discussions will lead to greater understanding and collaboration between the research community, policymakers, academic publishers and broader society.

The first panel discussion — Data Privacy in the Digital Era — was held in November 2022. A full recording is available here.

Event 2: Responsible AI

Panelists discuss whether there is such a thing as unbiased data

The panel discussion on 'Responsible AI or Disinformation at Scale? The many Dimensions of Artificial Intelligence' was held in Berlin on April 20 in front of a live audience at the ECDF building and online. A full recording of the conversation is available on the ECDF website.

The event brought together a diverse panel of experts to discuss the current state of AI, looking at issues of trust, bias, scale, information quality, the environmental implications, and what all this means for how to approach governance of AI systems:

Dr Felix Biessmann, Professor of Data Science at ECDF and Berlin University of Applied Sciences
Dr Harry Muncey, Director Data Science and Responsible AI at Elsevier
Tabea Rößner, Member of the Bundestag for Bündnis 90/Die Grünen and Committee Chair of the Digital Committee

The event was moderated by journalist Katharina Heckendorf.

Recent advancements in generative AI methods are attracting even more attention in this rapidly expanding field, from ChatGPT and Deep Fake artificial images to automated machine learning methods that anyone can use. The trend of improvements in usability of AI methods has many positive aspects. At the same time, increased usability comes with risks and negative aspects.

Highlight #1: Is there such a thing as unbiased data?

Watch the response by Dr Felix Biessmann

Highlight #2 : What can companies do to ensure AI is used responsibly?

Watch the response by Dr. Harry Muncey

Highlight #3 The rights of workers in developing datasets and AI

Watch the response by Tabea Rößne

What’s next?

Over the next several months, the series will take deep dives into current and impactful topics, including usage data in science, data privacy, vulnerable population and assessment data, and artificial intelligence and ethics in scholarly publishing. The hybrid events will take place at the ECDF in Berlin and online. To register your interest in joining the conversations, please email your full name, job title and organization to s.franzel@tu-berlin.de.

Contributors

Written by

Max Voegler, PhD

Written by

Max Voegler, PhD

As VP of Global Strategic Networks – DACH, Dr Max Voegler connects Elsevier to the broader science community in Germany and elsewhere. He is based in Berlin. Max has a PhD in History from Columbia University.