New 'Common Ground Seminar Series' launches with session on the AI and Society interface

As part of the new divisional Research & Impact Strategy 2023-2028, Professor Heather Viles, the Associate Head for Research and the divisional RIE Team, have launched the new Common Ground seminar series. The series will bring together researchers from across the division and the wider University to explore how social scientists can contribute to major challenges and promote interdisciplinary research activities.

AI and Society

The first seminar took place on Monday 13 November, 2023, at the Oxford Martin School, focusing on the Artificial Intelligence and Society interface. Professor Helen Margetts (OII), Professor John Powell (Nuffield Department of Primary Care), and Professor Rebecca Williams (Law Faculty) led the discussion.

Why Social Science Matters in AI

Professor Margetts kicked off the event by painting a vivid picture of how AI is rapidly transforming everything around us - from society to the economy. Her core message was emphasising that it is critical for social scientists to participate more meaningfully in conversations about AI since these crucial discussions often lack critical perspectives from the social sciences disciplines. Professor Margetts emphasized that AI's impact reaches far and wide, acting as both a "horizontal" and "vertical" force, presenting unique opportunities and challenges across various sectors and fields.

Diving Deeper: AI and Health

Following Professor Margetts' thought-provoking introduction, Professor John Powell delved into the pressing issues surrounding AI and Health, such as the potential harms and whether they are direct or indirect outcomes of AI. Professor Rebecca Williams highlighted the difficulties of transforming the aspirations emerging from AI into ethical and legal realities in Law.

Beyond Presentations: Building Connections and Sharing Ideas

After the presentations, attendees enjoyed a networking lunch, fostering connections and allowing the conversation to flow freely. This vibrant exchange of ideas further enriched the understanding of AI's multifaceted impact on society.

Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future of AI and Society

Professor Heather Viles concluded the event, highlighting that "this event is important so that we can share experience, ideas, and questions in order to improve what the University can offer in terms of AI and Society.''

Hear from our attendees

We have a lot of expertise in Oxford that needs to be joined up so that we can make sure that we can understand AI, how the technology is developing, and how we can provide an appropriate response. Thanks to events like this seminar we can learn from each other and improve our knowledge base to fulfil our mandate to serve society. 
Professor Jane Kaye, Director of the Centre for Law, Health and Emerging,Technologies at Oxford: HeLEX, Law Faculty

AI presents multidisciplinary challenges and potentially exciting solutions to societal problems. We have substantial expertise in Oxford but we are based across different departments. Events like this one are a good way to bring us all together.
Dr Elizabeth Wonnacott, Associate Professor in Applied Linguistics, Education Department

Find out more

Are you ready to join the conversation? Stay tuned for upcoming seminars in this insightful series, where leading experts will continue to explore how social scientists can contribute to major challenges and promote interdisciplinary research activities.

If you would like to find out more about the first session on AI and Society or receive information about future Common Ground Seminar Series, please contact Divisional Research Facilitator, Alexandru Martalogu, alexandru.martalogu@socsci.ox.ac.uk