AI forum in Derry to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping society

People from across Northern Ireland are invited to join a public discussion on how Artificial Intelligence is shaping communities, public services, education and the workplace at a free event in Derry.

Hosted by the AICC, an Ulster University-led initiative that advances awareness and responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence, the event is delivered in partnership with AI for Collective Intelligence (AI4CI).

AI and Our Society will bring together AI experts, industry leaders and local and national decision-makers at the Guildhall on Thursday September 10 for an open and accessible conversation about the opportunities, challenges and wider societal impact of artificial intelligence.

Free to attend and open to everyone, the forum will give members of the public an opportunity to hear from leading voices across government, academia and industry, and to ask questions about the opportunities and challenges AI presents for the region, both in the North West and across business and society in Northern Ireland.

Although the event is taking place in Derry, people from every part of Northern Ireland are encouraged to attend and contribute to this important regional conversation.

The forum aims to explore what the technology is, how it is being applied across society, and how governments, businesses and individuals can navigate important issues including ethics, environmental impact and governance while harnessing AI's potential responsibly.

Professor Michaela Black, AICC Principal Investigator and AI4CI Theme Lead for Infrastructure and Governance at Ulster University, said: “AI is not simply a technical issue, it raises important questions about the kind of society we want to build and the values that should guide us. The decisions being made today will have long-term implications, so it is essential that they are informed by a wide range of voices and lived experiences.

“We hope this event will give people the confidence to challenge assumptions, share their perspectives and take an active role in the conversation. Responsible innovation depends not only on what technology can do, but on whether it reflects public needs, earns trust and delivers meaningful benefits for society and everyone.”

The discussion will be chaired by Lorraine Acheson, Independent Strategy & Policy Adviser and former Managing Director of Women in Business NI, with panelists:

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 and David Crozier CBE, Director, AICC

Professor Seth Bullock, AI for Collective Intelligence (AI4CI) Hub Director and Toshiba Chair in Data Science and Simulation, University of Bristol, said:

“Events like this are important because they give people the opportunity to have meaningful conversations about AI with experts and decision makers. We often think about AI in terms of how individuals or businesses use it, but AI also has the potential to help groups of people tackle shared challenges – from reducing traffic congestion to making community decisions or managing health conditions."

The event is free to attend, but advance registration is required. Doors will open at 5.30pm, with the discussion beginning at 6pm.