“AI safety” refers broadly to the field of research dedicated to ensuring that AI systems behave safely and reliably, with minimal risk of unintended consequences or harm to humanity. However, because AI systems operate in a world filled with uncertainty and volatility, the challenge of building safe and reliable AI is not easy and mitigation strategies vary widely. So what is safe AI, exactly, and why is it so difficult to achieve? How can we ensure transparency in how AI makes decisions? Can LLMs be hacked? Are the existential risks of advanced AI exaggerated-or justified?
The Soiree brought together four experts in AI: Roger Grosse, Sedef Kocak, Sheila McIlraith, and Karina Vold. The event was presented by the Schwartz Reisman Institute in collaboration with the Institute for the History & Philosophy of Science & Technology (IHPST), the Centre for Ethics, Victoria College, and the Vector Institute.
Roger Grosse is Schwartz Reisman Chair in Technology and Society, associate professor of computer science at the University of Toronto, Canada CIFAR AI Chair, and founding member of the Vector Institute. Sedef Kocak is director of professional development at the Vector Institute. Sheila McIlraith is associate director at the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, professor of computer science at the University of Toronto, and Canada CIFAR AI Chair at the Vector Institute. Karina Vold is a research lead at the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, an assistant professor of philosophy at the Institute for the History & Philosophy of Science & Technology (IHPST) at the University of Toronto, and an AI2050 Schmidt Foundation Fellow.
Sponsors:
-Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society, University of Toronto
-Institute for the History & Philosophy of Science & Technology, University of Toronto
-Centre for Ethics, University of Toronto
-Victoria College, University of Toronto
-Faculty of Arts & Science, University of Toronto
-The Vector Institute
About the Schwartz Reisman Institute
Located at the University of Toronto, the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society’s mission is to deepen our knowledge of technologies, societies, and what it means to be human by integrating research across traditional boundaries and building human-centred solutions that really make a difference. The integrative research we conduct rethinks technology’s role in society, the contemporary needs of human communities, and the systems that govern them. We’re investigating how best to align technology with human values and deploy it accordingly. The human-centred solutions we build are actionable and practical, highlighting the potential of emerging technologies to serve the public good while protecting citizens and societies from their misuse. We want to make sure powerful technologies truly make the world a better place-for everyone.