Nobel laureate Professor Geoff Hinton, known as the ‘Godfather of AI’, will tackle the pertinent question of whether digital intelligence will replace biological intelligence at the Richard Gregory Memorial lecture on 2 June.
This coincides with Bristol Data Week 2025, which takes place from 2 to 6 June and invites the public, students, staff and industry to engage in a free programme of workshops, talks, panels, training sessions, and networking opportunities, delving into the world of data science and AI.
Richard Gregory Memorial Lecture
Bristol Vision Institute has invited guest speaker Professor Geoff Hinton, a Nobel laureate in physics known for his work on artificial neural networks, to deliver this year’s Richard Gregory Memorial Lecture.
The talk, introduced by Vice-Chancellor Evelyn Welch, will address the creation of digital beings with great and far-reaching capabilities, and the potential risks involved.
Professor Hinton was first introduced to AI whilst attending secondary school in Bristol in the 1970s. His father, Howard Hinton, was Head of Zoology at the University of Bristol. He has since gone on to create the technology that would become the foundation for the AI systems we use today, working at Google where the approach he pioneered led the way for systems such as ChatGPT.
Professor Hinton won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, along with John Hopfield, for their foundational work in developing machine learning with artificial neural networks. This work has become the basis for many modern AI applications, including chatbots and facial recognition.
Evelyn Welch said: “We are incredibly privileged to welcome Professor Hinton to speak.
“The visit aligns perfectly with the groundbreaking research and innovation currently taking place at the University, from Artificial Intelligence to the future of creative technology.
“It’s a valuable opportunity for students, staff and the wider community to hear from one of the most formative voices in the field.”
‘Will Digital Intelligence Replace Biological Intelligence?’ takes place at 6pm on Monday 2 June in the Wills Memorial Building. Free tickets are available on Eventbrite.
The lecture is supported by MyWorld - a global centre for creative technology innovation exploring the future of content production and distribution and experience.
Bristol Data Week 2025
A packed programme of events is taking place for Bristol Data Week, running from 2 to 6 June. Places are free and bookable online.
The headline event, ‘AI for Good: Celebrating the University of Bristol’s National AI Award’, on 4 June will bring together researchers, students, collaborators, policymakers, community groups, and members of the public to spotlight the people and projects driving positive change through AI. There will be short talks, a lively panel discussion, and plenty of time to network.
The South West Nuclear Hub, Bristol Centre for Supercomputing and the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research are among the research hubs that will deliver events, showcasing this year’s themes, from climate and health to the ethics of AI and careers in data.
Leon Danon, Director of the Jean Golding Institute, said: "Bristol Data Week is where curiosity meets impact. It's a celebration of how data and research are shaping a better world, from our local communities to global challenges.
“This year, we’re especially proud to showcase the power of AI for good, showing how ethical, creative, and collaborative approaches to AI can help drive social change and innovation.”