"Man is still the most extraordinary computer of all."
– John F. Kennedy, 1963
Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will lead some to question whether this statement still holds true. While computers have been used to assist with creative processes for some time, the creative input has largely been human. Nowadays, we’re training AI to write news articles, poems and novels, create paintings, produce video games and even compose music. Interest in machine learning will likely only increase as demand for fast, smart, original work - without the need for human endeavour and expense - rises.
But will AI and machine learning augment or replace human creativity? How do we teach creativity to the next generation in a world of AI and machine learning? And how do we ensure teaching creativity and innovation in this world remains inclusive?
Join RCIScience and the Institute for Science, Society and Policy for a look at the scientific, societal and policy implications of embracing machine learning for creativity.
About the Speakers
Dr. Matthew Guzdial is an Assistant Professor in the Computing Science department of the University of Alberta and a Canada CIFAR AI Chair at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). His research focuses on the intersection of machine learning, creativity, and human-centered computing. This includes investigating machine learning-based automated game generation, human-AI design collaboration, and improving machine learning transfer and generalization with computational creativity. He is a recipient of an Early Career Researcher Award from NSERC, a Unity Graduate Fellowship, and two best conference paper awards. His work has been featured in the BBC, WIRED, Popular Science, and Time.
Dr. David Cropley is a Professor of Engineering Innovation at the University of South Australia. His research interests span creativity in schools and education, assessing organisational innovation capacity, and the nexus of creative problem solving and engineering. Now a recognised expert in creative problem solving and innovation, Dr David Cropley was a scientific consultant and on-screen expert for the Australian ABC TV Documentaries Redesign My Brain (2013), Life at 9 (2014) and Redesign My Brain, Series 2 (2015).
Dr. Val Walker leads the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER). As CEO of this member-based not-for-profit organization, she sets BHER’s strategic direction and leads a strong team focused on building new opportunities in Canada’s skills and innovation ecosystem through collaboration. Beyond this, Val serves as co-chair of the Future Skills Council – a group established by the Government of Canada to advise on national and regional skills development and training priorities. She also speaks and advises regularly on innovation and talent. Prior to BHER, Val was the Vice President, Innovation and Skills, at the Business Council of Canada and Director of Policy at Mitacs. She holds a PhD from McGill University and is an alumna of the Government of Canada’s Recruitment of Policy Leaders Program.