Biography: Dr Stephen Law is currently Director of the CertHE and Director of Studies, Philosophy at Oxford University Department of Continuing Education. He was previousl Reader and Head of Department at heythrop College, University of London. He holds B.Phil and D.Phil degrees from The University of Oxford, where he held several lectureships and a three year stipendiary Junior Research Fellowship. He has published research in metaphysics, philosophy of language, later Wittgenstein and philosophy of religion. He is perhaps best-known for his popular introductory books on Philosophy, including The Philosophy Gym: 25 Short Adventures in Thinking.

Speech Title: Thinking Machines and AI Ethics

Abstract: An Introduction to the philosphical question of whether human made machines might ever be capable of thought and feeling, and even deserving of moral consideration.

Biography: Dr. Hurst is an Associate Professor in Data Science and eXtended Realities in the Information Technology Group and Head of the Social Creative Technologies Lab at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. With over 100 international publications, his research spans a wide range of areas, including data science, creative technologies, critical infrastructures, simulation, and 3D graphics. Dr. Hurst’s work focuses on the intersection of emerging technologies and their applications in real-world problems, exploring how XR can enhance fields such as education, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. In 2024, he led several grant-funded projects, including pioneering work on virtual reality for data science education, gamification techniques for agricultural applications, and the development of software for immersive environments. His educational background includes a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education, a PhD in Computer Science, an MSc in Web Computing, and a BSc (Hons) in Product Design.

Speech Title: Exploring 3D Content Creation for Immersive Applications

Abstract: As Extended Reality (XR) technologies continue to evolve, their potential to transform industries and create immersive, interactive experiences is vast. This keynote explores the cutting-edge tools and techniques driving the next generation of XR applications, from virtual reality (VR) to augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). In particular, the talk will highlight how XR, alongside 3D content creation and game engines, is making significant strides in domains such as agriculture, education, engineering, healthcare, and entertainment. These technologies are enabling more effective learning environments, improving operational efficiencies, and facilitating creative innovation across various sectors. Moreover, game engines are also revolutionising the processes involved for creating bespoke immersive environments, providing unprecedented opportunities for simulation, training, and design. Through real-world examples and case studies, this presentation will showcase how XR and 3D technologies are reshaping different fields (e.g., agriculture, education, and engineering), driving efficiencies, and opening new possibilities for the future of work and learning.

Biography: Hua Dai is a Professor of Management Information Systems at Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics of California State University at Channel Islands, USA. Her research interests include electronic commerce, eService, big data and business analytics, blockchain and metaverse, outsourcing, IS cross-cultures, and recently, AI applications in business. Dr. Dai’s research has been published in European Journal of Information Systems, Information & Management, Decision Support Systems, The Data Base for Advances in Information Systems, Electronic Markets, ACM Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodology, Journal of Computer Information Systems, Journal of Electronic Commerce Research, among others.

Speech Title: Unlocking Big Data Success in the AI-Driven Era

Abstract: As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries, Big Data has become essential for driving innovation, optimizing decision-making, and maintaining competitive advantage. AI relies on vast amounts of high-quality data to generate insights, automate processes, and enhance business intelligence, making Big Data the foundation of AI-driven success. Meanwhile, Information Systems (IS) research and business practices are embracing AI at an unprecedented pace. The transition from Big Data to AI represents a significant shift in how data artifacts and analytics capabilities are developed and implemented to advance computing algorithms, machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing. This keynote explores a comprehensive research framework that identifies the critical drivers of Big Data success in organizations. By bridging theoretical insights with empirical validation, we uncover the key elements that shape effective Big Data strategies and their impact on business performance. Given that the integration of Big Data and AI is paving the way for future innovation in business and academia, a systematic understanding of Big Data remains essential for driving breakthroughs in both fields. As AI and data-driven technologies continue to evolve, organizations must navigate the complexities of integrating Big Data into their operations. This keynote will highlight emerging opportunities, persistent challenges, and strategic insights to help businesses harness the power of Big Data, ensuring they remain competitive in an era of rapid digital transformation.

Biography: Dr Sepi Chakaveh is a Departmental Lecturer in Data Science & Course Director of Undergraduate Advanced Diploma in IT Systems Design, Department for Continuing Education, and a Research Member of Wolfson College, University of Oxford, UK.
Dr Chakaveh has a BSc in Electronic Engineering and a PhD in Experimental Astrophysics and Space Sciences from the University of Kent. She has extensive experience as a Senior Scientist/Academic working both in the UK and Germany, including Imperial College London, Max Planck Institute in Heidelberg, University of Göttingen, Fraunhofer Society and the University of Southampton where she was the co-founder and the former Director of Southampton Data Science Academy, the first UK online data science academy. She has recently received the Research Common Room Membership at Wolfson College.
Dr Chakaveh research focus is to design and engineer end-to-end, holistic data and AI-driven applications which solve real-life problems. In this context, she has developed many AI-based applications - for one of which she has won the Everywoman Innovator Award 2020 and ConnectTVT Technology Game Changer 2021. And in particular, her software innovation for Row4Ukraine supported an extraordinary Atlantic rowing mission. Her PixselChat, enabled clear communication between a team of injured British and Ukrainian servicemen as they set off to row 3,000 miles from Gran Canaria to Barbados.

Speech Title: From Human-Machine Interaction to Human-Machine-Human Interaction, The Role of NLP in the Future of AI-Driven Communication

Abstract: Applied AI, through its enabling more seamless, intelligent, and context-aware communication - particularly in the realms of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Social Machines – is reshaping the Human-Machine Interactions (HMI).
Social Machines are systems that blend human intelligence with AI to facilitate dynamic collaboration, now leveraging NLP to interpret, generate, and respond to human language effectively.
In this talk we introduce Human-Machine-Machine Interaction (HMHI), the next step in the evolution of (HMI), where AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) create a continuous feedback loop that facilitates, enhances, and mediates seamless communication between humans, fostering more efficient collaboration and knowledge exchange.
In here, we will explore key milestones, including breakthroughs in applied AI with the advent of LLMs and advanced NLP techniques. The talk will conclude with a live demo of PixselChat, one of the first HCIH-enabling technologies, representing the next generation of telecommunication platforms with embedded real-time translation in over 100 languages.