European Summer School of Artificial Intelligence Draws Global Participation and Advocates Ethical AI. In photo, dr Vida Groznik during her welcoming remarks.
Published on August 14, 2023
The inaugural European Summer School of Artificial Intelligence (ESSAI) recently concluded, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of AI education and collaboration. Hosted as part of the one-week ESSAI & ACAI summer school, this event brought together more than 600 participants from Europe, North and Latin America, and Asia. The University of Primorska, in collaboration with the Slovenian Artificial Intelligence Society (SLAIS), the University of Ljubljana, and the Jožef Stefan Institute, played a pivotal role in organizing this transformative experience.
Fostering Global Connections in AI
The week-long summer school offered a dynamic platform for participants to engage with a diverse array of courses, workshops, and lectures. This multifaceted approach facilitated the exchange of knowledge, the acquisition of valuable experience, and the establishment of connections in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. Attendees, hailing from 42 countries, converged in Ljubljana, creating a truly global gathering that resonated with the essence of collaboration in the AI community.
EU’s Leadership Role in AI Regulation
Addressing the profound impact of artificial intelligence on society, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, highlighted the EU’s commitment to being a global leader in regulating this transformative technology. She emphasized the importance of protecting values and a way of life while ensuring independence from large companies driven by specific goals and private interests. This sentiment resonated with the overarching theme of responsible and ethical AI, a recurring focus throughout the summer school.
Inspiring Future Generations in STEM
President Nataša Pirc Musar drew parallels with the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad, emphasizing the critical role of encouraging girls to enroll in STEM fields. The alignment with this vision showcased the commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the realm of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Vida Groznik: A Key Organizer and Advocate for AI Education
Dr. Vida Groznik, a member of the Department of Information Sciences and Technologies at UP FAMNIT and the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at UL FRI, chaired the local organizing committee. Expressing her satisfaction with the overwhelming response, she noted the participation of over 630 individuals, with 50 engaging online. With 60 esteemed lecturers delivering 36 lectures across seven parallel sections, the summer school showcased a comprehensive exploration of AI’s diverse facets. She is also a proud member of HICUP Lab.
“We are glad that such a large number of participants applied for the summer school. We have participants from 42 countries, so they came to Ljubljana from all over the world, which makes us very happy,” summarized Dr. Vida Groznik at the beginning of the week.
The success of the European Summer School of Artificial Intelligence underscores the global appetite for knowledge exchange and collaborative initiatives in the field. As the AI community continues to evolve, events like ESSAI play a crucial role in shaping the future of responsible and ethical artificial intelligence.
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