Leading Minds Gather at Oxford to Explore the Future of AI and the Next Generation
Codex at Reuben College, University of Oxford hosted a landmark event on May 14 titled “Shaping AI for the Next Generation,” bringing together global thought leaders to explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on children’s futures.
The evening included a dynamic panel discussion followed by a networking drinks reception, drawing academics, technologists, educators, and members of the public into dialogue on AI’s potential and responsibilities.
In a world where AI is rapidly reshaping industries, education systems, and human interaction, the panel addressed urgent questions around how these technologies can be directed to serve the best interests of the next generation.
Distinguished panellists included:
Joana Lenkova, Futurology Director at the LEGO Group
Antonia Kerle, Chief Technical Adviser at the BBC
Dr. Ellen Helsper, Professor of Digital Inequalities, London School of Economics
Alan Greenberg, EdTech Specialist and Investor
Kayla Blomquist, Researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute
Together, they discussed critical topics such as:
- How cutting-edge AI developments are driving progress in sectors like education, by personalising education, and empowering educators with innovative tools;
- Can AI expose children to a wide range of experiences and opportunities and to help them discover their passion and purpose?
- How AI-powered communication tools are reshaping our social interactions and human relationships;
- How can we create trust in media content;
- The impact of AI on children’s sense of self;
- Impact of AI on creativity;
- Challenges of AI ethics and safety.
Audience members engaged in robust Q&A, further highlighting public interest in ensuring ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI design.
Some of the thoughts from the discussion are:
- Management consultant role would be obsolete if one knows how to ask questions correctly to AI
- Google become more of a Ad company now and many people stop using Google it as they only used Chatgpt and other AI tools.
- Ability to develop critical thinking is very important…unless you ask right questions you won’t get correct answer from AI
- Even Facebook struggling to retain interest of young generation….
Codex – Honouring great innovators for 20 years