Universities are the natural habitat for debate and discussion. At Reading, we try to do as much as we can to allow diverse voices and perspectives to flourish – not just among our students and academics, but in the wider community.
One important way we do this is through our public lecture series, which has been a feature of the University’s activities with our neighbours for more than half a century.
The return of our flagship lecture series could not be more timely. As we navigate through unprecedented technological developments, particularly in artificial intelligence, we need well-tended spaces where expert knowledge can be shared and debated in an atmosphere of intellectual rigour and mutual respect.
Last week, Dr Dominic Lees, a former film director who now teaches and studies TV and film and their impacts on society, began our new lecture series with a brilliant talk that got to the heart of what we can and cannot trust, discussing the use of artificial intelligence in film and media.
His talk examined the perils and promise of this emerging technology, showing examples of how AI can be used to seamlessly generate images, video and voices, used in both online content and big-budget Hollywood movies alike.
The audience also heard how AI can have a damaging effect on public trust, with deepfakes of politicians misleading voters in the run-up to elections, and how documentary filmmakers can use AI for good – or for ill – to tell stories in ways that were never before possible.
Such important discussions cannot just be about sharing knowledge. We want to encourage genuine interaction and exchange. I’m glad that with our new hybrid format for our public lecture series, with both in-person and online audiences, we are able to encourage public participation in the debate. We want to maintain the invaluable face-to-face connections with people in the room, while also reaching a global audience online.
I’m already looking forward to the next event. Later this month, Dr Holly Andrews from our Henley Business School, will give a lecture exploring toxic personalities at work. Her talk will explore why some people may be more antisocial and unpleasant to work with than others, why these traits might give some people an advantage, and how work colleagues can respond to difficult individuals.
It is bound to be a fascinating discussion that will enlighten and entertain. In-person tickets and online viewing are free of charge, but you should book quickly to secure your seat.
There is enduring appetite for meaningful engagement with complex ideas. In an era of simplified soundbites and polarised debates, people are seeking spaces where challenging ideas can be explored thoughtfully and rigorously.
Through initiatives like our public lecture series, we continue to cultivate an environment where expert knowledge and reasoned debate can take root and flourish.
Robert Van de Noort is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Reading
