AI is here and now – we’re making sure it serves humanity for the benefit of all
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s here and it’s already transforming every aspect of our lives – from how we diagnose disease to how we power cities and connect communities. But the real question isn’t whether AI will shape the future, that is now a given – it’s whether we shape AI to serve humanity and for the benefit of all. At Imperial College London, we believe in doing exactly that.
We now have thousands of researchers, academics and staff working on AI across our university. Not just computer scientists but engineers, medics and business experts. It touches everything, and so it must be studied from every angle. This issue of Imperial magazine provides you with the very latest AI developments, conversations and collaborations from across Imperial.
The real question is not whether AI will shape the future, but whether we shape AI to serve humanity for the benefit of all. At Imperial, we believe in doing exactly that.
Since the publication of our last issue, Imperial has launched a new initiative in convergence science, which has AI at its heart. Convergence science refers to multi and interdisciplinary team science at unprecedented scale, focused on solving the thorniest challenges facing humanity and our planet.
Furthermore, it recognises that the full impact of cutting-edge science will only be achieved where top researchers work together across scientific disciplines, sectors and borders – framing research questions collaboratively through a new lens and developing new research models. Professor Aldo Faisal, one of the Co-Directors of Imperial’s new School of Convergence Science, says: “We want to build technology where AI works together with people to get the best out of both, instead of thinking about solutions where AI does everything on its own.” Our new School will deepen our commitment to the pursuit of scientific progress, and focus us on our path to tackling the world’s most pressing challenges in a truly collaborative model.
We recently hosted a thought-provoking discussion on AI for good, focusing on ethics, innovation and impact at the heart of the AI conversation. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear from alumni leaders who are working across AI governance, healthcare and digital innovation – as well as members of our Imperial community who have launched their own AI ventures addressing real-world challenges.
We encourage you to continue the AI conversation across our social media channels and through our alumni AI affinity network. This new network provides the opportunity to connect, learn and be a part of the conversation shaping the future. At Imperial, we know the most impactful things happen at the intersections and through connections and convening we can work together – developing science for humanity.