Young AI Research Forum: Exchange, Discuss, Network
Young AI Research Forum: Exchange, Discuss, Network
October 16 | 16:00 – 20:00 UTC+1
Location: CIIRC, Jugoslavskych partyzanu 1580/3, Prague 6
Room: RICAIP Testbed Prague, Building B, ground floor
Young AI Research Forum strives to provide an interesting opportunity not only to ML/AI PhD students and junior researchers but also to undergraduate students with an interest in research careers from across Czech academic institutions to delve deeper into topics that are relevant to all. Whether it’s developing a strong research brand, collaborating with industry or addressing global challenges exacerbated by the use of AI technologies towards responsible AI research.
The event is part of Dny AI (AI Days) taking place across the Czech Republic to broaden AI horizons of the academic, business, civil sector and general public worlds.
The aim is to create an environment for gaining practical know-how, sharing experience and establishing new relationships, as well as to open horizons and help career and personal development.
This will be achieved through several expert presentations, facilitated discussions and networking. It also aims to shed light on individual research projects and help to establish research collaborations. Attendees are thus strongly encouraged to bring their existing scientific posters and take part in brief pitches to introduce their research.
- Showcase Your Work: Present your AI-powered research or project during our pitching session and poster display. It’s a great chance to get feedback and highlight what you’re working on.
- Active Participation: Take an active role by choosing discussion topics and engaging with others. This is your event to shape and contribute to.
- Network and Learn: Connect with AI peers and professionals to exchange ideas, get practical advice, as well as share experiences and different perspectives to help you grow in your field.
This event is part of the official DNY AI | AI Days 2024 program, brought to you by the following main organizers:
Who Should Attend?
- Undergrad students interested in a research career
- PhD students and postdocs from technical universities in Prague and beyond
- Early-stage researchers from academic teams
- Young researchers from tech companies & start-ups
What Can You Expect?
- Informal discussions in a relaxed setting
- An open and welcoming environment
- Lightning talks and quick idea pitches
- Networking opportunities that could spark future collaborations
- A variety of inspiring topics to help advance your career
- Interactive, inclusive and co-created content
What Research Areas Are Welcome?
We welcome researchers from all fields, but the event is especially geared toward those working in AI-related areas such as:
- Machine Learning
- Speech & Natural Language Processing
- Computer Vision
- Reasoning
- Robotics
- Cognitive Computing
- Reinforcement Learning
- Multi-Agent Systems & Agent-Based Modelling
- Planning, Routing & Scheduling
- Ethical, Legal & Social Aspects of AI
- … and more!
What’s on the Agenda?
Lenka Kučerová from prg.ai will moderate the event and guide you through the afternoon, keeping things moving and making sure the event runs smoothly..
15:30 Registration
Check in, pick up your name tag, and get ready to dive into an evening of AI goodness. Arrive a bit early to settle in, meet a few new faces, and maybe enjoy a coffee before the program kicks off.
16:00 Opening and welcome speech
Let’s kick things off! We’ll start with a warm welcome to set the vibe for the evening—exciting talks, engaging discussions, and plenty of opportunities to connect. We’ll also have a representative from CIIRC joining us to share a few words and give you a brief introduction to the institute. Plus, guiding us through it all will be Lenka Kučerová, who’ll ensure everything runs smoothly. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for an inspiring evening!
16:05 Keynote Speaker #1
Get ready to be inspired! Our first keynote speaker – senior globally recognised researcher – will share insights from an extensive international experience in academia. If you’re thinking about going abroad for an internship, expanding your research in different countries, or even joining a team of the excellent AI scientists this talk will offer valuable perspectives on making the most of such opportunities. Whether you’re deep into AI research or just getting started, this session will provide fresh ideas and practical advice.
Stay tuned for more details—we promise it’ll be worth it!
16:30 Pitching sessions
Ready to show off your work? The pitching sessions are your time to shine! Whether you’ve got an interesting research idea, a cool project, or some fresh findings, here’s your chance to share it with the group. You’ll have a few minutes to make your pitch—keep it snappy, engaging, and be ready for some quick feedback. It’s a fast-paced, easy way to get your ideas out there and maybe even inspire some collaborations on the spot.
We expect to welcome up to 10 talks/pitches of about 5-6 minutes each. So feel free to use the space to take the floor!
17:30 Keynote Speaker #2
After the pitching sessions, we’ve got another keynote lined up that’s all about helping you grow in your research journey. We will welcome Pavla Hubálková, Ph.D., an expert in science communication with a rich background in both scientific research and media. Pavla originally envisioned a career as a scientist, studying Clinical Biochemistry and Chemistry Education at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, and later completing her Ph.D. in Neuroscience at Charles University’s Third Faculty of Medicine. During her Ph.D., Pavla gained research experience at leading institutes, including the Czech Academy of Sciences and through internships at Palacký University, EMBL Heidelberg, and a Fulbright research stay at Northwestern University in Chicago, where she discovered her passion for science communication. Now a science journalist for several outlets, she has contributed to Czech TV & Radio, and Nadace Experientia. In 2022, Pavla received the Dimitris N. Chorafas Award, which she is using to further her expertise in SciComm.
In her keynote session, Pavla will share her journey of building a strong research brand, drawing from her diverse experience in both research and communication. Stay tuned for more details!
18:00 World Café (Discuss Roundtables)
Now it’s time to dive into some real talk! Find your seat at one of our roundtables and join a conversation on topics that matter to you. It’s the perfect way to share your thoughts, hear different perspectives, and brainstorm ideas with fellow AI enthusiasts. Before the event, we’ll choose the top five most popular topics based on your registration preferences. During the session, you’ll have the chance to attend two different roundtables. Pick your table, get a coffee if you’d like, and get ready to chat! Each group will also have its facilitator – even you can be the one who guide the conversation.
- Academia-Industry Collaborations: How can academia and industry work together better? Let’s talk about mutual benefits, communication, and whether staying in academia is worth it for an AI-driven career.
- AI Impacts on Global Challenges: AI is changing the world—let’s discuss how it affects climate change, society, jobs, and privacy. What are your personal takeaways from these impacts?
- Women in AI Fields: A chat about motivation, workplace dynamics, respect, and the unique challenges women face in AI. Share your experiences and hear from others.
- Explainable AI: AI can be a black box, but it doesn’t have to be. How can we make AI models more transparent and understandable?
- Becoming an Exceptional Supervisor: What makes a great supervisor? Let’s talk about expectations, feedback, and supporting the next generation of AI researchers.
- Career Paths Beyond Academia: Thinking about other career options besides academia? Let’s discuss how to translate your skills into the industry and expand your career options.
- Maximizing Internship Abroad: Ever done an internship abroad? How can you make the most of the experience, build connections, and immerse yourself in a new culture?
19:30 Networking
Grab a drink, relax, and get ready to mingle! This is your chance to chat with fellow AI enthusiasts, make new connections, and maybe even spark some potential collaborations. Whether you’re looking to exchange ideas, find potential research partners, or just enjoy some good conversation, this casual networking session is the perfect way to wind down the evening and meet some awesome people in the AI community.
20:00 Closing
And that’s a wrap! As the evening comes to an end, we’ll head home, and look forward to the next time we can come together to share more AI insights and ideas. See you at the next event!
World Café (Discussion Roundtables) Topics: Let’s Talk AI
Ready for some real conversations? At our World Café session, you’ll get the chance to sit down at a roundtable and dive into discussions on topics that matter in AI. It’s all about exchanging ideas, hearing different perspectives, and brainstorming with fellow AI enthusiasts.
How It Works
Before the event, we’ll gather your preferences from the registration form and select the top five most popular topics. On the day, you’ll be able to join two roundtables of your choice. Take your seat, even a coffee if you like, and get ready to chat and connect.
Discussion Topics to Choose From
- AI Impacts on Global Challenges: Climate Change and Society, Exploring the Societal Impacts of AI, Including Job Displacement, Privacy, Surveillance.
- Explainable AI: Interpretability vs. Explainability, Transparency in AI Models, Bias Mitigation in AI, Human-AI Collaboration, Explainable AI and Regulation, Fostering a Culture of Explainability in the AI Research Community.
- Academia-Industry Collaborations: Mutual Benefits, IP, Communication, Usefulness of Research for Business, the Pros and Cons of Staying in Academia and Pursuing an AI-driven Research Career.
- Women in AI Fields: Motivation, Work Conditions, Workplace Relation, Respect from Colleagues, Performance Demands.
- Maximizing Internship Abroad: Finding a Suitable Internship, Setting Goals and Expectations:, Building Professional Relationships, Maximizing Learning Opportunities, Cultural Immersion:, Post-Internship Reflection Expectations from Supervisor/Internee, How to Approach the Best Leading Researchers to Get the Position in Their Teams, How to Set the Goals, Networking, Cultural Immersion, Learning, Feedback.
- Becoming an Exceptional Supervisor: Expectations, Feedback, Independence, Development.
- Career Paths Beyond Academia: Industry, Skills Translation, Networking.
Meet our Keynote Speakers
The Young AI Research Forum will feature two keynote speakers, each bringing a unique perspective and valuable insights to the event. They will share their expertise and experiences, offering practical advice and fresh ideas that are essential for advancing your career and research.
The first keynote speaker is still a bit of a mystery, but we will reveal more details soon. Expect a thought-provoking talk drawn from extensive international experience in academia, offering valuable insights into leveraging global opportunities. Whether you’re considering international internships, expanding your research across borders, or seeking collaboration with top AI teams, this session will provide essential perspectives. Stay tuned for more information!
Our second keynote speaker is Pavla Hubálková, Ph.D., a distinguished science communicator with a rich background in both research and media. Pavla’s career journey spans from clinical biochemistry and neuroscience research to becoming a leading science journalist. Her talk will focus on how to build a strong research brand, drawing from her extensive experience in both scientific and media fields. Pavla’s insights will be particularly valuable for those looking to make an impact in the world of science.
Registration
Attendance is free, but since we have limited seats, make sure to register in advance. We’ll confirm your spot and send you all the details about the venue and event before the big day.
Your registration isn’t just about saving a seat—it’s also your chance to help shape the event’s content.