AI, a Public Good?

The FARI Brussels Conference 2024, held on November 18-19, marked the third edition of this event focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), data, and robotics for the common good. The conference, organized by FARI at Studio Flagey (November 18) and BeCentral (November 19), brought together a diverse group of participants, with researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and citizens, to discuss the topic “AI, a Public Good?”.  

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of societal discussion, sparking excitement, curiosity, and concern. With advancements in AI, Data, and Robotics, questions about their ethical and societal impacts are growing.

With this in mind, the FARI Conference aimed to provide a platform for critical inquiry for stakeholders from various sectors to engage in dialogue and collaboration. Are these technologies developing in a socially acceptable and sustainable direction? How do we make sure AI helps everyone, and not just a few? Is there such a thing as AI, Data and Robotics for Public Good?

Who joined?

  • Scientists and experts will have the opportunity to network with peers and contribute to discussions and advancements in the field of AI, data processing, and robotics research.

  • Administrators will gain insights and resources to assess AI, data, and robotics in public services, enhancing their work. They will also learn about informed policy-making for Europe's economic competitiveness and societal well-being.

  • Entrepreneurs will explore how private innovations can lead to public benefits, considering factors like regulation, collaboration, and corporate social responsibility.

  • Citizens will delve into AI's impact on Europe's economy and society, discussing its creative and societal implications. It is a chance to connect with experts and find answers to pressing questions.

Conference schedule

Morning sessions

9:30 to 10:00 AM | Opening remarks and welcome speeches from ULB and VUB rectors

10:00 to 10:30 AM | Keynote 1 - Mireille Hildebrandt

10:30 to 11:00 AM | Keynote 2 - Theresa Zueger

11:00 AM to 12:30 PM | Session 1
Assessing AI, Data, and Robotics in Public Service Missions

11:00 AM to 12:30 PM | Session 2
From Private Innovation to Public Benefit—Conditions for Real Positive Impact, and Possible Risks

11:00 AM to 12:30 PM | Session 3
Can AI, Data and Robotics Research be Open and Accessible to All? Exploring the challenges

Afternoon sessions

14:00 to 15:30 PM | Session 4
AI for Europe: A Critical Need for Today and Tomorrow

14:00 to 15:30 PM | Session 5
Working Together: How Citizens, Companies, Governments, and Researchers should Help Shape AI, Data and Robotics

14:00 to 15:30 PM | Session 6
Creative Futures: Envisioning AI, Data and Robotics' Role in Culture, Arts, and Society

16:10 to 17:00 PM | Keynote 3 - Yoshua Bengio

17:00 to 17:15 PM | Closing words from FARI

Meet our line-up of renowned speakers and experts.

  • Patricia Alves Oliveira

    Assistant Professor of Robotics at University of Michigan

  • Sophia Baladi

    Director of Development at Ask Mona

  • Yoshua Bengio

    Prof. of Computer Science at University of Montreal

  • Hugues Bersini

    Prof. of Computer Science at Université Libre de Bruxelles & Co-Director of the IRIDIA laboratory.

  • Judith Biernaux

    Research Data Officer at University at RISE ULiège

  • Maria Claudia Bodino

    Representative at the European Commission, DG Digit - Data, Information and Knowledge management.

  • Gianluca Bontempi

    Co-director of Machine Learning Group at Unversité Libre de Bruxelles

  • Anna Colom

    Senior Policy Lead at Data Tank

  • Elja Daae

    Data, AI & Algorithms Coordinator at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations of the Netherlands

  • Paul Duan

    Founder & President at Bayes Impact

  • Marie Du Chastel

    Artistic Director & curator at KIKK Festival, TRAKK, Le Pavillon & AfriKIKK & Member of de Digital Arts & Visual Arts Commission of Wallonia-Brussels Federation as well as of the Arts Commission of Wallonia.

  • Bart de Witte

    Founder Hippo AI Foundation

  • Desara Dushi

    Senior and Postdoctoral Researcher at LSTS, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

  • Rob Heyman

    Lead of The Knowledge Centre Data & Society at imec-SMIT, Vrije Universiteit Brussel

  • Mireille Hildebrandt

    Prof. of 'Interfacing Law and Technology' at Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Prof. em. of 'Smart Environments, Data Protection and the Rule of Law' at Radboud University

  • Holger Hoos

    Alexander von Humboldt Professor in AI, Co-founder and Chair of the Board of CAIRNE, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of the AI Center at RWTH Aachen University

  • Cecile Huet

    EUROPEAN AI OFFICE - European Commission - DG CNECT Head of Unit "Excellence in AI & Robotics"

  • An Jacobs

    Prof. at Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Sociologist at imec-SMIT

  • Aurélie Legrand

    Data Strategy Consultant at CIVITEO

  • Gregory Lewkowicz

    Prof. at Université Libre de Bruxelles & Director of the Global Law Program of the Perelman Center of the Faculty of Law and Criminology

  • Raphael Marchou

    Director of Development at Histovery

  • Alex Moltzau

    Policy Officer of the European AI Office

  • Carolina Osorio

    Full Professor at HEC Montréal & Google Research Staff Research Scientist

  • Andre Patrocínio

    Research and Innovation Attaché at Quebec Delegation in Brussels

  • Alexandre Pirson

    Alderman for Urban Planning, Mobility, Digital Transition and Employment in the commune of Woluwe Saint-Pierre

  • Teppo Rantanen

    Executive Director, Competitiveness and Innovation - City of Tampere

  • Idrissa Sarr

    Prof. of Computer Science (BigData & Data sciences) at Cheikh Anta Diop University

  • Marina Teller

    Prof. of Private Law at Université de Côte d'Azur and Director of the 3IA Chair in “Law & AI”

  • François Terrier

    Deputy Director for Programs of CEA-List Institute Director of PEPR IA, national priority research on AI

  • Erwine van de Mosselaer

    Contact Center Director at Vlaams Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen

  • Ibo van de Poel

    Professor in Ethics and Technology at the TU Delft and member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.

  • Ludivine Verboogen

    Co-Founder at 101 Genomes Foundation

  • Manon Vermenouze

    Director of Communication, Public Affairs & ESG at Shark Robotics

  • Theresa Zueger

    Head of the Public Interest AI research group funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

The FARI Conference was followed on November 19th by a day of partner-organized events.

Catch up on #FARI2024

Revisit the highlights of the FARI Brussels Conference 2024: watch the full recordings on our YouTube channel and download our summary.

Meet our partners and exhibitors