PUBLIC lectures are set to return to Reading University next week.
The university is once again set to welcome guest speakers for live events open to the public, exploring topics including generative AI and its social and cultural impacts, civilian experiences of World War One, and ethics.
Presented by Dr Dominic Lees, from the University’s Film, Theatre and Television department, the first lecture in the series will trace the development of ‘generative AI’ and discuss its potential cultural and social impacts.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort said: “Universities are the natural habitat for debate and discussion.
“Our public lectures are spaces where challenging ideas can be explored thoughtfully and rigorously, both with audiences face to face in Reading and those online around the world.
“The topics we talk about are often controversial or difficult, which is why they matter. Our lecturers bring expert perspectives to conversations about issues such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and social inequality, helping people to navigate complex issues with greater clarity.”
The first lecture, titled Deepfakes and AI in film and media: Seeing is not believing, held by Dr Dominic Lees, takes place on October 30, 2024, and is available to live-stream.
Free in-person tickets are now fully booked, but people can still register to livestream the talk and ask questions live.
Full details for the lecture series and how to attend are available via: reading.ac.uk/events