Future Appearances

Public Lectures

Anatomy of a Particle Detector

This event will be available both in -person and live-streamed online.

Particle detectors are to particle physicists as telescopes are to astronomers. They allow us to open a window into the inner workings of the Universe at the smallest length scales to understand it in terms of its fundamental constituents. But how exactly do they reveal to us the properties of the subatomic world in such extraordinary detail and with such remarkable agreement with theoretical predictions?

Claire MaIone will explore these incredible feats of engineering, with a particular focus on the ATLAS experiment at CERN. To digest the enormous flow of data produced by the collisions, ATLAS uses an advanced “trigger” system to tell the detector which particle interactions to record and which to ignore. Complex data acquisition and computing systems are then used to analyse the collision events recorded. Claire will conclude by looking to the future at what new technologies particle detectors are employing so that we can continue exploring the subject of the building blocks of our universe in ever greater detail.

The Royal Institute,  November 2024

The AI Scientist?

This talk examines the transformative role of generative AI in scientific research. As artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and other large language models gain popularity, they are increasingly integrated into research processes. This trend brings both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, AI is revolutionising methods of data analysis and scientific workflows across fields like particle physics, enabling new approaches to solving complex scientific problems. On the other hand, the use of generative AI frequently raises concerns around reproducibility and the transparency of AI models - often referred to as the "black box" issue. This has serious implications for academic integrity and public trust in science. These challenges highlight the importance of explainable AI and responsible AI integration into research. The talk also discusses the growing need for AI literacy among researchers, addressing both technical skills and ethical considerations, to ensure AI is used effectively and responsibly in scientific inquiry. By viewing AI as a powerful tool, rather than an infallible solution, this talk encourages researchers to critically engage with AI while maintaining rigor and trust in the scientific process.

 University of Leeds, December 2024

Upcoming Talks

The AI Scientist?

This talk examines the transformative role of generative AI in scientific research. As artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT and other large language models gain popularity, they are increasingly integrated into research processes. This trend brings both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, AI is revolutionising methods of data analysis and scientific workflows across fields like particle physics, enabling new approaches to solving complex scientific problems. On the other hand, the use of generative AI frequently raises concerns around reproducibility and the transparency of AI models - often referred to as the "black box" issue. This has serious implications for academic integrity and public trust in science. These challenges highlight the importance of explainable AI and responsible AI integration into research. The talk also discusses the growing need for AI literacy among researchers, addressing both technical skills and ethical considerations, to ensure AI is used effectively and responsibly in scientific inquiry. By viewing AI as a powerful tool, rather than an infallible solution, this talk encourages researchers to critically engage with AI while maintaining rigor and trust in the scientific process.

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, October 2024