From Intelligence to Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Future of Humanity

  Host: Professor Amin Beheshti

  Thursday 20 March 2025, 6pm – 7.15pm 

  Theatre 1.200, Level 1, Australian Hearing Hub, 16 University Avenue, Macquarie University

Overview

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept confined to science fiction – it is transforming the world around us, from healthcare and education to entertainment and everyday decision-making. But how did we get here, and where are we headed? 

In this talk, Professor Amin Beheshti explores the journey from natural human intelligence to the rise of AI, unpacking how machines learn, think, and interact with us. He will take us through the opportunities and challenges AI presents for humanity's future, from its societal impacts and ethical dilemmas to its potential for innovation. He will also reflect on how well we understand and shape AI today, could lead to a brighter, more equitable world for future generations.

Biography

Professor Amin Beheshti is Professor of Data Science at Macquarie University, and an Adjunct Professor of Computer Science at UNSW Sydney, Australia. Amin is also the founder and director of the Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence, the head of the Data Science Lab, and the founder of the Big Data Society at Macquarie University.

Amin completed his PhD and post-doctoral research in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of New South Wales, following over a decade of industry experience as a founder and CEO, consultant, and solutions architect in national and international organisations. He also holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Computer Science, both with first class honours.

Recognised as a distinguished researcher in Data and AI Science, Amin has chaired, spoken at and helped co-ordinate numerous top international conferences, is the leading author of several books in data, social and process analytics, and has secured over fifty research projects and more than AUD $39 million in research funding. 

His numerous awards include AI Academic/Researcher of the Year 2024 in the Australian National AI Awards, various Excellence Awards at Macquarie University in 2022 and 2023, National Security Impact Award and the Recognition Award (Data 2 Decisions CRC, 2016 and 2017).

Contact Us

For more details about the series, contact us at fse.outreach@mq.edu.au.