TryGOLD- Free

UNDER ΤΗΕ HOOD OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
BBC Science Focus|December 2023
As the busiest year in the history of artificial intelligence (AI) comes to a close, Prof Mike Wooldridge prepares to deliver the Royal Institution's first Christmas Lecture on the subject. Noa Leach sat down with him to get a preview of the demonstrations his talks will include and an insight into how he thinks AI is going to change the world for children
UNDER ΤΗΕ HOOD OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

In The Royal Institution's almost 200year history of Christmas Lectures, the topics covered have swept through chemistry, mechanical engineering and astronomy to psychology, climate change and, this year, artificial intelligence (AI).

Many people are concerned about how AI is going to change our healthcare, careers and entertainment, but what do the experts think? Mike Wooldridge is a professor of computer science at the University of Oxford and has been selected to deliver this year's Royal Institute Christmas Lectures on AI.

What was your reaction to being selected to give this year's Royal Institution Christmas Lectures?

I was stunned. The Christmas Lectures were one of the treats over the Christmas period for me as a kid - I was really into science and I can remember watching them in the 1970s.

I remember watching the astrophysicist Carl Sagan talking about the planets and being absolutely entranced by his lectures. More recently we had Sir David Attenborough. David Attenborough!

Following in their footsteps is really quite something. For so many British scientists, the Christmas Lectures were one of the things that kindled their interest in science. To be part of that legacy is amazing.

The Christmas Lectures are famous for their props. What can we expect to see in your talk?

The first thing the RI team told me is that it’s a tradition to have an explosion and a dog (ideally at different times). So there will be an explosion and there will be a dog, but I’m not saying any more than that.

This story is from the December 2023 edition of BBC Science Focus.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2023 edition of BBC Science Focus.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BBC SCIENCE FOCUSView All
Animals have culture like us, but will share theirs with other species
BBC Science Focus

Animals have culture like us, but will share theirs with other species

New research suggests that cultural practices in the animal kingdom can develop across species boundaries

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
Scientists identify a better predictor for heart health than BMI
BBC Science Focus

Scientists identify a better predictor for heart health than BMI

You want this fat in your steak, but not in your muscles

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
Asteroid sample reveals life's origin
BBC Science Focus

Asteroid sample reveals life's origin

A 'briny broth' may unlock the secrets of life on Earth... and further afield

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
DETECTING DEMENTIA
BBC Science Focus

DETECTING DEMENTIA

New science is uncovering how Alzheimer's could be detected decades before symptoms strike. Could it give us the head start needed to fight back and defeat the disease?

time-read
9 mins  |
February 2025
A dopamine detox does little for your brain chemistry
BBC Science Focus

A dopamine detox does little for your brain chemistry

Swearing off social media may well improve your mood, but probably not because it resets your dopamine levels

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2025
Polyphenols: The key to a healthier, longer life or just another health food fad?
BBC Science Focus

Polyphenols: The key to a healthier, longer life or just another health food fad?

A special type of nutrient that's only found in fruit and veg could be more important to your health than vitamins and minerals

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025
The strange daily routines of successful people won't bring you fame and fortune
BBC Science Focus

The strange daily routines of successful people won't bring you fame and fortune

Punishing 2am workouts and fistfuls of supplements unlikely to help you get ahead in life.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2025
ALL THE LIGHT - WE CAN SEE
BBC Science Focus

ALL THE LIGHT - WE CAN SEE

New Jersey is the new Roswell – or so it might seem after a swarm of bright lights, glowing orange-red orbs and unidentified flying objects filled the skies throughout December 2024.

time-read
8 mins  |
February 2025
HARD TO STOMACH
BBC Science Focus

HARD TO STOMACH

Despite being a common condition, the cause of irritable bowel syndrome has proven tricky to find. Now researchers are beginning to understand what's going on in our guts... and the best ways to soothe them

time-read
8 mins  |
February 2025
How do you treat perimenopause symptoms?
BBC Science Focus

How do you treat perimenopause symptoms?

Both hormonal and natural treatments can be used to treat disruptive perimenopause symptoms. But which ones are right for you?

time-read
4 mins  |
February 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more