Kula: Libraries Futures Academy and the office of the Vice President Research & Innovation held an unconference & interdisciplinary forum to explore how emerging developments in AI are transforming UVic Research. The event attracted over 63 participants from across all disciplines on campus.
The format included a mix of lightning talks and an “unconference” model, where participants self-selected into discussion groups on topics of shared interest.
Lightening Talks on how AI is being used in research:
- Falk Herwig (Physics and Astronomy)
- Michael Litchfield (Law)
- Audrey Yap (Philosophy)
- Belaid Moa (Advanced Research Computing)
- Homayoun Najjaran (Engineering)
- Ammie Kalan (Anthropology)
The unconference saw groups form around ethical and legal implications of AI in research; risk management (including environmental costs); content creation and gen AI; policy development; vibe coding; socially responsible research; and science & data.
One result of the event was the desire to form a community-driven AI & Research Listserv where AI & research-related information can be easily shared across disciplines on campus. All members of the UVic community are welcome to join: https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/airesearch
The Director of the Kula: Library Futures Academy would like to thank personally Dane Berry, Director of Research Analytics and Impact at the University of Victoria, for his vision and efforts to support an AI & research community on campus.