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Societal Impact of AI Symposium

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Join us for the 2025 Societal Impact of AI Symposium - a full-day experience showcasing the bold, ethical and human-centred role of AI in solving global challenges.

The inaugural Societal Impact of AI Symposium, hosted by UNSW IT and the Division of Social Impact, Equity and Engagement (SIEE), brings together leading voices and emerging thinkers from academia, government and industry to explore how AI is shaping a better future. It will also address the inherent risks of AI and what we are doing to mitigate these. From keynote presentations to live hackathons, this is your opportunity to experience the power of AI in action and discover how it’s being used - responsibly and creatively - to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.​
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Date

Tuesday, 16th ​

September 2025

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Venue

UNSW Roundhouse, International Rd, Kensington​

Explore the agenda and program

Discover the bold, human-centered role of AI in addressing global challenges.

What to expect?

Pre-eminent global experts share their knowledge via keynote presentations and panel discussions.​We will also address the inherent risks of AI and what we are doing to mitigate these.

Experience the power of AI in action with live shows, demos and exhibitions to discover how it’s being used – responsibly and creatively - by our UNSW thought leaders.​

Curious about how to build and grow an innovative mindset? You can participate in one of Symposium Hackathons!​

 

Who should attend?

We want everyone who attends to leave feeling positive about the future, better equipped with increased knowledge about how they can use AI responsibly, and united by purpose to deliver their best work.​

 

Agenda

  • Opening address

    • UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs
    • UNSW Chief Information Officer, Dr Christine Burns
    • UNSW Vice President Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement, Verity Firth

    Keynote – Workplace 2040: AI Colleagues and the Rise of Hybrid Humans
    Dr Catherine Ball

    In AI we Trust? What to Expect in our Technological Future
    Scientia Professor Toby Walsh

    Panel Discussion – The Human Edge: Empathy, Ethics and Emotional Intelligence in an AI World
    Professor Mary-Anne Williams, Professor Lyria Bennet-Moses, Christian Wood

    Moderater: Michelle Davey

     

  • Short talk series :

    1. AI Companions who fill the gap in support for mental health and wellbeing: Aust. Laureate Fellow Jill Bennett and Research Fellow Gail Kenning - Big Anxiety Research Centre

    2. From Founder to start-up: Bridging students to the workforce: Pasha Rayan and David Burt

    3. Hear me Out: Legal AI assistant empowering people to take action: Dean Moutopoulos, Project Lead, National Justice Program

    4. MapAI: City futures and urban design: Professor Christopher Pettit

    5. The role of AI in protecting our ecosystem: Professor Will Cornwell

    6. The impact of AI in creative industries: Associate Professor Oliver Bown

    Ongoing Exhibition to play, learn and experience AI first-hand.

  • Keynote - Conversational AI as Thinking Partners 
    Professor Simon Buckingham-Shum (UTS)

    Panel Discussion – AI in Higher Education: challenges and opportunities

    Associate Professor Linda Corrin (Deakin), Associate Professor Negin Mirriahi (Uni SA), Professor Alison Beavis (UNSW), Omar Al Zeidat (UNSW student)

    Moderator: Scientia Professor Vlado Perkovic, UNSW Provost

    Hackathon highlights announced & Symposium close

Register now. This event is free to attend but places are limited. Don’t miss your chance to join the conversation and help shape the future of responsible AI.​