Daejeon, South Korea – The city of Daejeon, renowned as a hub of science and technology, is set to host the 10th annual World Science and Culture Forum from Friday, April 18th to Saturday, April 19th. The two-day event will take place at the Daejeon Convention Center (DCC) Exhibition Hall 1, promising a vibrant convergence of scientific discourse and cultural insights.
Under the overarching theme of “AI and Human-Centricity: Hi, Ai,” this year’s forum aims to foster public understanding of scientific advancements and facilitate discussions on critical global scientific issues, particularly the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence on our lives and culture. The event boasts an impressive lineup of ten distinguished speakers, including both internationally recognized scholars and popular figures, who will deliver special lectures exploring the multifaceted implications of AI.
The opening ceremony, scheduled for 10:00 AM on April 18th, will be graced by the presence of key dignitaries, including Daejeon Metropolitan City Mayor Lee Jang-woo, Daejeon City Council Chairman Cho Won-hwi, Chairman Bang Seung-chan of the Daedeok Innopolis Agency Council, and Chairperson Kim Sook-kyung of the World Science and Culture Forum Organizing Committee. Adding an international dimension to the event, over 20 ambassadors and chargés d'affaires from seven countries, including Sweden and Hungary, are also expected to attend.
The forum will commence with a captivating opening performance featuring Professor Park Jong-hwa of Seoul National University, who will present an enthralling piano ensemble with an AI counterpart, showcasing the evolving synergy between human artistry and artificial intelligence. Following this unique performance, the morning keynote sessions will feature two prominent global thought leaders. John C. Havens, the Founding Executive Director of the IEEE Global AI Initiative, will share his perspectives on the ethical and societal implications of AI, while Bo Stjerne Thomsen, Vice President of LEGO Education, will discuss the role of AI in shaping the future of education and learning.
The afternoon sessions on the first day will delve deeper into specific aspects of AI and its applications. Professor Nam Juhan of KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) will likely explore cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, while Dr. Kwon Tae-kyun, a respected expert in the field, will offer his insights on the practical applications and potential of AI across various industries. Adding a business perspective, Koo Hyun-mo, the former CEO of KT Corporation, a leading telecommunications company in South Korea, is expected to discuss the transformative impact of AI on the telecommunications sector and broader digital landscape. The day will culminate with a highly anticipated lecture by the globally renowned roboticist Professor Dennis Hong, known for his groundbreaking work in humanoid robots and biomimicry, who will undoubtedly offer a fascinating glimpse into the future of robotics and its intersection with artificial intelligence.
The second day of the forum, April 19th, will continue with an equally compelling lineup of speakers. The morning sessions will feature two academics with unique perspectives. Professor Park Seung-min, an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and a recipient of the prestigious Ig Nobel Prize, known for his unconventional and thought-provoking research, will likely offer a unique and perhaps humorous take on the intersection of science and human behavior in the age of AI. He will be followed by Professor Kim Jae-kyung of KAIST, whose expertise in a specific scientific domain will undoubtedly contribute valuable insights to the discussion.
The afternoon sessions on the final day will bridge the gap between science and culture, making complex topics accessible and engaging to a wider audience. Film director Kwon Han-seul will likely explore the portrayal of artificial intelligence in cinema and its influence on our perceptions of AI. Renowned history storyteller Sun Kim will weave historical narratives with the emergence and impact of AI, providing a broader cultural context. Finally, the popular science communicator Kweido, known for his engaging and easy-to-understand explanations of complex scientific concepts, will offer his unique perspective on artificial intelligence, demystifying the technology and its implications for the future of society and culture.
The World Science and Culture Forum, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, holds significant historical roots. It was established in 2016, building upon the spirit of the Daejeon Declaration, a key outcome of the “World Science Summit” held in Daejeon in 2015. Since its inception, the forum has been strategically co-located with the annual Daejeon Science Festival, amplifying its impact and contributing significantly to enhancing Daejeon’s reputation as a leading science city and fostering the dynamism of the Daedeok Innopolis, South Korea’s premier research and development hub. Over the past decade, the forum has evolved into a crucial platform for broadening public engagement with science and facilitating the exchange of global knowledge and forward-thinking visions.
Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo emphasized the forum’s significant contributions, stating, “Over the past ten years, the World Science and Culture Forum has established itself as a vital platform for expanding the base of science culture and facilitating the exchange of global knowledge and visions.” He further highlighted the exceptional nature of this year’s event, remarking, “This year, with a central theme of artificial intelligence, we have gathered world-renowned scholars and popular speakers in one place, making every lecture a uniquely valuable opportunity that should not be missed.” Mayor Lee concluded with an open invitation to the public, encouraging widespread participation: “I hope many citizens will join us to directly experience this intellectual feast where the future of science and culture intertwine.”
The 10th World Science and Culture Forum promises to be a dynamic and insightful event, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with leading experts, explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence on our world, and witness the fascinating interplay between scientific innovation and cultural evolution. The diverse range of speakers and topics ensures a rich and rewarding experience for anyone interested in the future of technology and its relationship with humanity.
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