Connor Wright, MSt AI Ethics & Society, talks about his experience at interdisciplinary research conference in Johannesburg.
Thanks to the funding received from the College, I was able to travel out to the 2023 Southern African Conference for Artificial Intelligence Research (SACAIR) in Johannesburg.
The Southern African Conference for Artificial Intelligence Research is a not-for-profit organisation established to annually host the premier Southern African AI Conference. This academic multi- and interdisciplinary event is aimed at bringing together nationally and internationally established and emerging researchers from across various disciplines including Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Information Systems, Humanities and Philosophy. The conference has a strong focus on growing a formidable network of talented students working in AI from across Africa.
My trip wasn't just about research – it was a return home to the country of my birth to partake in my first academic conference. This was where it all started for me, and I couldn’t wait to pick up where I had left off.
I spent a week immersed in cutting-edge discussions, from using AI to combat cancer to designing inclusive AI products. The conference showcased the diverse and impactful ways AI is transforming Africa, showcasing the AI talent present. But beyond the technical expertise, the human connections I forged were truly special. Chatting with speakers over lunch, engaging in breakout groups, and meeting like-minded individuals from across the globe – these interactions fuelled my passion and broadened my perspective.
The highlight, of course, was presenting my own research on "The Phenomenology of Facial Recognition Technology." Sharing my work with such a supportive and engaged audience, and receiving their invaluable feedback, was an experience I'll never forget. It validated my efforts and gave me the energy to keep pushing forward.
Leaving Johannesburg, I felt not just intellectually enriched, but deeply reconnected to a community of people working to shape a better future with AI. This wasn't just about research; it was about belonging, contributing, and learning from the vibrant heartbeat of African innovation. And as I continue my own journey, I carry with me the inspiration and knowledge gained from this remarkable experience and I'm excited to keep learning, collaborating, and making a difference.