Science and Science Communication in the Age of Large Language Models Symposium

ANU Symposium on Science and Science Communication in the Age of Large Language Models

Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Large Language Models, is rapidly transforming scientific research and communication. From accelerating drug discovery to automating scientific processes, fields like medicine, chemistry, and biotechnology are embracing LLMs. However, this surge in AI use has also raised significant concerns among scientists. Many are voicing concerns about the environmental impact, the erosion of nuanced, contextual understanding, and epistemic risks that come with relying too heavily on AI in scientific work. This symposium will explore how LLMs might reshape scientific knowledge production and communication; so we will explore both the potential and risks, discussing on how we can responsibly integrate AI into research practices; and many more. 

The symposium's schedule is below:

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION | 9:30-9:45am
Dr Ehsan Nabavi (Head of Responsible Innovation Lab, Australian National Centre for Public Awareness of Science, ANU)

INSIGHTS & CONVERSATION | 9:45-10:45 am
Dr Stefan Harrer (Director, AI for Science - Science Digital, CSIRO)
Prof Karin Verspoor (Dean of the School of Computing Technologies, RMIT)
A/Prof Michelle Riedlinger (Digital Media Research Centre, Queensland University of Technology)

Morning Tea/Coffee | 10:45-11:00am

SHOWCASE | 11:00-12:30pm
Dr Ehsan Abbasnejad (Director of Responsible Machine Learning, Australian Institute for Machine Learning, University of Adelaide)
Dr Ashlin Lee (Research Scientist and Digital Sociologist, CSIRO)
Lucy Darragh (Australian National Centre for Public Awareness of Science, ANU)
Dr Sarah Bentley (Research Scientist, Data61, CSIRO)

Lunch and Networking | 12:30-1:00pm

WORKSHOP: RESPONSIBLE LLM IN SCI(COM) | 1-2:30pm
Dr Ehsan Nabavi & Dr Chris Browne (Responsible Innovation Lab, ANU)
Afternoon Tea/Coffee | 2:30-2:45am
WRAPPING UP: MOVING FORWARD | 2:45-3:30pm
Prof Joan Leach (Director, Australian National Centre for Public Awareness of Science, ANU)
Dr Hayley Teasdale (Science Advice and Policy, Australian Academy of Science)
A/Prof Fabien Medvecky (Associate Director of Research, Australian National Centre for Public Awareness of Science, ANU