Julia Gillard Public Lecture to explore impact of AI
Artificial intelligence will be the focus of the 2024 edition of the lecture series, with Former Prime Minister of Australia the Hon Julia Gillard AC leading a conversation with University of Adelaide experts on how the technology will impact work, life and politics.
Former Prime Minister of Australia the Hon Julia Gillard AC at the 2023 Julia Gillard Public Lecture. Credit: University of Adelaide.
The event will happen on Tuesday, 29 October and feature Professor Simon Lucey, Director of the Australian Institute for Machine Learning; Professor Carolyn Semmler, who leads the Applied Cognition and Experimental Psychology research group; and Dr Samuel White, a Senior Lecturer in the Adelaide Law School and a Cybersecurity Postdoctoral Research Fellow.
Former Prime Minister Gillard will lead the panel in a discussion of how governments can capitalise on the AI revolution, how the technology is being implemented in our health system, and why it is important for Australia to lead the world in the development and adoption of AI.
“Artificial Intelligence has really captured my interest in recent years because it is, and will continue to be, one of the biggest disruptors of the modern world. It is already rapidly impacting our everyday lives, often in ways we are not even aware of,” says Ms Gillard.
“Like with all new technology, there are risks and rewards, and we need to be aware of both. While there are many threats that need to be mitigated, there are also immense opportunities across science, health, education, defence and many other areas.
“The University of Adelaide is the ideal setting to delve into these important questions, with it being home to the Australian Institute for Machine Learning.
“I’m looking forward to discussing the future of AI with our expert panellists Professor Simon Lucey, Professor Carolyn Semmler and Dr Samuel White.”
The annual Julia Gillard Public Lecture has previously covered topics such as women’s participation in politics and the impact of early childhood education on the life outcomes of South Australians.
Professor Lucey says the event is the perfect forum to discuss how to best realise the opportunities presented by AI.
"The Julia Gillard Public Lecture has become an excellent venue to discuss many of Australia's most pressing concerns,” says Professor Lucey.
“Given AI's growing presence in so many parts of our lives, it's critical to have these public discussions to lessen the mystery that still surrounds this revolutionary technology.
“I'm looking forward to this important conversation and appreciate Former Prime Minister Gillard's contribution to this discussion."
Professor Jessica Gallagher, University of Adelaide Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Engagement, says she is proud to see the University contribute to Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s expanding legacy.
“It is always a privilege to welcome the Honourable Julia Gillard AC back to campus; we admire her achievements and the measurable difference she has made to people’s lives,” says Professor Gallagher.
“Julia has long been a passionate advocate for education and its ability to create opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background, and that passion is the foundation of the annual lecture series dedicated in her name.”
The 2024 Julia Gillard Public Lecture will take place on Tuesday, 29 October, at Bonython Hall, on the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace Campus.
This free event is fully booked, but those who wish to attend can visit Humanitix to join the waitlist. Attendees are asked to arrive at 9:30am for a 10am start. The event will conclude at 11:15am.
The 2024 Julia Gillard Public Lecture will not be livestreamed, but a recording will be made available online after the event.
Media contacts:
Johnny von Einem, Senior Media Officer, University of Adelaide. Phone: +61 0481 688 436, Email: johnny.voneinem@adelaide.edu.au