Computer Scientist Neil Lawrence shares his insights on what machine intelligence can teach us about being human, the risks of relying on technologies that prioritise efficiency and scalability over ethics, and the hubris of efforts to extend or upload human consciousness using AI.

Neil Lawrence is the inaugural DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge. He has been working on machine learning models for over 20 years. He recently returned to academia after three years as Director of Machine Learning at Amazon. His main interest is the interaction of machine learning with the physical world. This interest was triggered by deploying machine learning in the African context, where ‘end-to-end’ solutions are normally required. This has inspired new research directions at the interface of machine learning and systems research, this work is funded by a Senior AI Fellowship from the Alan Turing Institute. Neil is also visiting Professor at the University of Sheffield and the co-host of Talking Machines.

ABOUT THE HOST

Luke Robert Mason is a British-born futures theorist who is passionate about engaging the public with emerging scientific theories and technological developments.

He hosts documentaries for Futurism, and has contributed to BBC Radio, BBC One, The Guardian, Discovery Channel, VICE Motherboard and Wired Magazine.

CREDITS

In Partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation

Producer & Host: Luke Robert Mason

Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @FUTURESPodcast

Follow Luke Robert Mason on Twitter at @LukeRobertMason

Subscribe & Support the Podcast at http://futurespodcast.net

Architect Liam Young shares his thoughts on how science fiction can be a powerful tool for prototyping new possibilities, why problems like climate change urgently need planetary-scale solutions, and how speculative design can inspire meaningful cultural transformation.

Liam Young is a designer, director, and BAFTA-nominated producer who operates in the spaces between design, fiction, and futures. Described by the BBC as ‘the man designing our futures’, his visionary films and speculative worlds are both extraordinary images of tomorrow and urgent examinations of the environmental questions facing us today. As a world-builder, he visualises the cities, spaces, and props of our imaginary futures for the film and television industry. His own films have premiered with platforms ranging from Channel 4, Apple+, SxSW, Tribeca, the New York Metropolitan Museum, The Royal Academy, Venice Biennale, the BBC, and The Guardian.

Bonus episode recorded live from the Dubai Future Forum at the Museum of the Future in partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation on 20 November 2024.

Full-Video Version: https://youtu.be/gGyALHTnxk8

ABOUT THE HOST

Luke Robert Mason is a British-born futures theorist who is passionate about engaging the public with emerging scientific theories and technological developments.

He hosts documentaries for Futurism, and has contributed to BBC Radio, BBC One, The Guardian, Discovery Channel, VICE Motherboard and Wired Magazine.

CREDITS

In Partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation

Producer & Host: Luke Robert Mason

Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @FUTURESPodcast

Follow Luke Robert Mason on Twitter at @LukeRobertMason

Subscribe & Support the Podcast at http://futurespodcast.net

Earth Species Project’s Jane Lawton shares her insights on how artificial intelligence is used to decode animal communication, how new technology challenges human-centric views of intelligence, and how the ‘voices’ of other species can inform conservation efforts and influence rights-for-nature debates.

Jane Lawton has over 30 years of international experience working with leading organisations focused on sustainable development and nature conservation. Throughout her career, she has explored various pathways to solve the complex puzzle of living sustainably on Earth. She has held senior roles in Asia, Europe, and North America, working with organisations such as Forum for the Future, The B Team, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. She is currently Director of Impact at the Earth Species Project, a non-profit focused on using AI to decode animal communication with the ultimate goal of transforming how humans relate to the rest of nature.

Bonus episode recorded live from the Dubai Future Forum at the Museum of the Future in partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation on 20 November 2024.

Full-Video Version: https://youtu.be/TU1N8ObMR6g

ABOUT THE HOST

Luke Robert Mason is a British-born futures theorist who is passionate about engaging the public with emerging scientific theories and technological developments.

He hosts documentaries for Futurism, and has contributed to BBC Radio, BBC One, The Guardian, Discovery Channel, VICE Motherboard and Wired Magazine.

CREDITS

In Partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation

Producer & Host: Luke Robert Mason

Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @FUTURESPodcast

Follow Luke Robert Mason on Twitter at @LukeRobertMason

Subscribe & Support the Podcast at http://futurespodcast.net