Can machines really think like humans? Uncover the truth about AI with the first of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES from the Royal Institution.
Take a seat in our Revolution Manchester Gallery, surrounded by world-changing ideas and scientific discoveries, while you listen to Professor Mike Wooldridge tackle the most important and rapidly evolving field of science today.
Don't miss the exclusive sneak preview of the first of this year's three lectures, streamed live from the Royal Institution theatre, ahead of its broadcast on the BBC later in December.
Throughout the three lectures, Mike will explore the big questions facing AI research and unravel the myths about how this groundbreaking technology really works.
Be among the first to hear his opening lecture and discover how machines can compete with humans. Find out how they can play games, complete challenges and translate languages, and how computer programmes inspired by the human brain can absorb knowledge and even teach themselves new skills.
Get involved with family friendly activities and festive challenges. Plus, meet 'Baby'—the Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine—and find out more about the birth of modern computing with our friendly volunteers who will be ready to welcome you from 17.30–18.00.
Please arrive before the screening begins at 18.00. The café will be serving a selection of sandwiches, drinks and festive treats from 17.00–19.00. The museum shop will also be open from 17.30–18.30 selling a range of toys, gifts and souvenirs.
The CHRISTMAS LECTURES have been inspiring children and adults since 1825. Traditionally watched by families together, they are accessible for people of all ages and all levels of scientific knowledge.
About the lecturer
Mike Wooldridge is an academic and author specialising in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
A professor of AI at the University of Oxford, he served as Head of Department of Computer Science from 2014 to 2021; he is also Director for AI at The Alan Turing Institute in London and has received multiple awards for both research and education.
He has written nine books and is currently Editor-in-Chief of Artificial Intelligence, the leading journal for AI, established more than 50 years ago and has been invited to give evidence on matters relating to AI to multiple government committees.
