UP’s 33rd Expert Lecture asks whether AI can create itself
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been instrumental in finding scalable solutions to complex problems, such as those set out by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
However, as the adoption of AI has grown and moved out of computer science laboratories and into the hands of non-experts, new challenges have emerged – one of which is the need for expert knowledge in designing AI approaches to problem-solving.
On Thursday, 29 August, Professor Nelishia Pillay of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Computer Science will deliver the University’s 33rd Expert Lecture.
Prof Pillay’s lecture will provide an overview of AI for sustainable development, innovation, health and learning in order to answer the question: can artificial intelligence create itself?
Computer scientists are turning to AI as a means of automating this design process to make it more accessible to non-experts.
Prof Pillay explores the possibility of AI creating AI, a concept that could make this transformative technology more accessible and powerful.
While her research interests cover the spectrum of AI application, she is particularly interested in how AI is advancing sustainable development by focusing on innovations in industry, healthcare and lifelong learning.
Her research also investigates how AI can be used to automate AI design by pushing the limits of what is possible in the field.
“Despite AI’s rapid advancements, human guidance will always be essential,” says Prof Pillay, who holds the Multichoice Joint Chair in Machine Learning and the SARChI (South African Research Chairs Initiative) Chair in Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development.
“If you can envision it, no matter how long it takes, you can achieve it. The path may be long and tedious, but your contribution to advancements in technology is well worth it.”
She has made significant contributions to various areas within artificial intelligence – such as hyper-heuristics (a search method), transfer learning, combinatorial optimisation, genetic programming and genetic algorithms, machine learning and optimisation for sustainable development – solidifying her reputation as a leading expert and academic in the field.
Prof Pillay chairs various subcommittees for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and is an associate editor of two journals.
She also established the NICOG (Nature-Inspired Computing Optimisation) research group, which continues to push the boundaries of AI for sustainable development.
Women play a vital role in shaping the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence.
Prof Pillay is paving the way for the next generation of women in AI, demonstrating the importance of diversity, innovation and leadership in science and technology, and inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM to ensure that the future of AI is shaped by diverse perspectives, leading to more inclusive and impactful solutions.
For Prof Pillay, by learning about the machine-learning and search techniques used to address global challenges, insight can be gained into the intricate design processes involved in developing AI for sustainable applications.
We invite you to join UP’s 33rd Expert Lecture:
- Date: Thursday, 29 August 2024
- Time: 6pm – 7:30pm
- Venue: Senate Hall, Hatfield campus, University of Pretoria
- Enquiries: Lynette Smith at [email protected]
- RSVP: Click here to register
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