MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Researchers, faculty, and lawmakers gathered at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Saturday for the “AI Meets Society” symposium, a one-day event focused on the current state and future direction of artificial intelligence. Held at UW’s Morgridge Hall, the symposium attracted approximately 150 attendees, including faculty from East Coast universities and Wisconsin state legislators. Organizers noted that this was the first event of its kind hosted in the building.
Anaya Mandal, a member of the organizing committee, highlighted the significance of the symposium. “This is definitely one of the largest things I’ve ever done, so it’s really cool to see the support,” she stated, emphasizing the milestone of hosting an event of this caliber in a new venue. “It’s also one of the first events in this new building, which is pretty cool,” she added.
Through a series of panels and workshops, attendees explored what organizers described as the vast and complex landscape of artificial intelligence research. Kyle Cranmer, one of the speakers, expressed both optimism and caution regarding the field’s potential. “It’s really exciting, but it’s wrapped up with all sorts of challenges,” he noted, underscoring the importance of careful engagement with the technology. Mandal echoed this sentiment, recognizing AI’s dual potential for benefit and harm. “I see it as something that we can’t step back from,” she said. “It has a lot of capacity to do a lot of good. I also think it has the capacity to do a lot of bad — dual use.”
As discussions unfolded, organizers emphasized that the questions raised during the symposium extend beyond a single day’s dialogue. They asserted that the field of AI safety is open to contributors from diverse backgrounds. “AI safety is something that just needs more people,” Mandal remarked. “Anyone with any skill level can contribute to it, no matter what the field is. It’s not just CS majors who can.” This openness aimed to encourage broader participation in tackling the complexities of AI development and its implications.
For those interested in getting involved, further information is available through the Wisconsin AI Safety Initiative’s Fundamentals Program. The symposium underscored an urgent call for collaboration in an area increasingly recognized for its profound societal impact.
The event at UW-Madison reflects a growing recognition of the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in the realm of artificial intelligence. As AI technologies continue to evolve rapidly, the need for responsible development and governance becomes ever more critical. The symposium served as a platform for fostering conversation among academia, industry, and the legislative sphere, highlighting the necessity of collective action in shaping the future of AI.
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