Nature and AI Workshop

We have decided to temporarily close general admission in order to try to achieve a diversity of backgrounds among those attending. If you work/volunteer in a third-sector organisation, a community group or the arts, and especially if you come from a minoritised background, please contact [email protected]. Otherwise, by all means add yourself to the waiting list.

Significant developments in the natural environment and the artificial are coinciding, in what many view as turning points for humanity.

On the one hand, we face a crisis in (1) climate breakdown and our impact on the species we share our planet with; and (2) the effects of AI on the environment, the arts, political discourse, education and employment.

On the other hand, this confluence can be seen as an opportunity. For example, what can AI researchers learn from the cognitive systems found in nature? How can AI help us in tackling climate change and other hazards to human health and wellbeing?

For a personal take on how and why the combination of nature and AI makes such a fascinating and significant subject for discussion, you might want to watch Tim Kindberg’s recent talk on the subject.

Anyone with an interest in humanity’s relationship with nature and AI – whether with one of these, or both; whether you know a lot, or are here to learn. The discussion will not be technical.

There will be brief introductory talks by the organisers:

• Zahraa S. Abdallah, senior lecturer in AI, University of Bristol
• Claire Grierson, professor of biology, University of Bristol
• Tim Kindberg, writer and digital creative
• Tuomas Tahko, professor of philosophy at the University of Bristol

These talks will be followed by refreshments and small-group discussions on the main themes. The speakers will each host a themed table, and you will move between them. The event will finish with a discussion with all participants.

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Event image by Avenue on Wikimedia Commons: Taro leaf underside, backlit by sun.

Host or Publisher Tim Kindberg