RRU Changemakers Speakers Series - Dan Riskin

The revolution has begun, so what should we expect? Artificial intelligence (AI) is already changing the way we do art, business, finance, science, engineering, news, and social media. Soon it will disrupt the way we interact with one another. It may feel like a tidal wave, but that doesn’t mean it’s unpredictable. After all, this isn’t the first time intelligence has evolved.

From dolphins to humans, cockroaches to cockatoos, every new group of intelligent creatures has appeared thanks to the emergent properties of neural networks — the very same process that spawned AI. And with each new intelligent form of life, predictable, repeatable trends have emerged — selfishness, extinctions, behavioural adaptation, establishment of a stable social structure, and, ultimately, a new kind of harmony with the environment. Although we can’t know exactly what the future holds for AI, these broad themes offer a roadmap of what to expect.

AI won’t steal our jobs… but people using AI effectively might. By understanding the predictable milestones that emerge from evolution, and using them to guide your organization's AI strategy, you can seize the power of evolutionary change to come out ahead.

Dan Riskin

Biologist | Science Journalist | Author | Television Host

A renowned evolutionary biologist, award-winning television presenter, and bestselling author, Dan Riskin has been making science accessible, engaging, and fun for more than a decade. Whether he’s inspiring viewers as the co-host of Discovery Canada's flagship science program, Daily Planet; terrifying them as the host of Animal Planet's docu-horror show, Monsters Inside Me; or covering the latest news as CTV's Science and Technology Specialist, Riskin's passion and curiosity have made him an unparalleled source of science inspiration for all.

Riskin doesn’t just talk science – he lives it. A world-renowned expert on bat biomechanics, Riskin earned his PhD from Cornell University and conducted research at Brown University before stepping away from a faculty position to focus on science outreach. Today, Riskin appears on television and radio more than a dozen times each week, except when he’s leading wildlife tours in far-flung places like Borneo, the Amazon, or the Galapagos Islands. He’s often featured on CP24 and CTV National News, and has hosted documentaries for National Geographic, The Science Channel, CBC, W5, and more.

Renowned for his infectious humour and charismatic presence, Riskin has been interviewed about science by Anderson Cooper, Gayle King, Lisa LaFlamme, Don Lemon, Jay Leno, Charlie Rose, Peter Sagal, and many others. Craig Ferguson, who had Riskin as a guest on The Late Late Show eight times, once called him "my favourite scientist.” Riskin is also the author of two bestselling books, Mother Nature is Trying to K*ll You and the beloved children’s book, Fiona the Fruit Bat. He also publishes a popular science newsletter, The Bat Signal.

By stoking a childlike passion, Riskin gives audiences so much more than scientific “wow” facts. His keynotes, like his television shows, help individuals see their own curiosity in a new light, pursue their interests with more vigour, and tap into a deeper sense of inspiration. He will spark your audience's passions, leaving them invigorated to embark on their own journeys of exploration and discovery.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Royal Roads University