AI and Our Society: Public Forum

Join the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC), in collaboration with AI for Collective Intelligence (AI4CI), for a free public forum exploring the opportunities, challenges and impact of artificial intelligence on our society.

This event will bring together voices from technology, policy, academia, industry, and civic life to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities that come with the growing use of AI. Through a chaired panel discussion and audience Q&A, we will explore what AI could mean for areas such as public services, healthcare, education, infrastructure, careers, communities, and decision-making.

The forum is designed for a broad public audience. You do not need a technical background to attend.

The aim is to create an open and accessible conversation about how AI can be developed and used in ways that support people, places, and society.

What to expect

• A public panel discussion with invited speakers
• Audience Q&A
• Accessible discussion around the role of AI in society
• Reflections on how AI can support better decision-making, services, and public value

• An opportunity to hear from experts working across AI, policy, research, and industry

Agenda

5:30pm - 6pm: Doors open (light refreshments)

6pm - 6:10pm: Event welcome by David Crozier CBE, Director of the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC)

6:10pm - 7:40pm: Panel discussion and Q&A. Panel members:

• Lorraine Acheson, Independent Strategy & Policy Adviser
• Patricia O'Hagan MBE, CEO Core Systems (NI)
• Mark Lee, Acting Deputy Secretary for Economic Policy Group, Department for the Economy NI
• Kathryn Harkin, Head of AI Northern Ireland, NTT DATA
• Professor Michaela Black, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, Ulster University

7:40pm - 7:45pm: Event close