Discussion groups
Please choose during your registration the discussion group you would like to join.
Artificial Intelligence
Participants: min 5
For the first time in history, we are witnessing the ability of machines to excel at human-level tasks. Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing at an unprecedented pace, so fast that more and more often we do not know the actual capabilities, the possible impact, and the societal implications of AI. This is even more true considering that several recent AI breakthroughs – mainly related to machine learning – have been obtained by private companies, with technologies that have been disclosed only partially, and without providing documentation on which data have been used for training. Now, more than ever, technical and non-technical users need to be aware of which AI algorithms they are employing, how they work and what their current limitations are. In this panel, we will attempt at providing a balanced account of AI, with particular emphasis on natural language processing and large language models.
Moderators:
Prof. Marco Montali, Vice Dean for Studies and Degree Course director of the Bachelor in Informatics and Management of Digital Business
Barbara Plank, Co-Director Center of Information and Language Processing and Head of Munich AI and NLP (MaiNLP) lab LMU Munich, and unibz alumna of the Bachelor in Applied Computer Science and the Master in Computer Science
Dealing with stress, responsibility and career
Participants: min 5
Every worker is interested in constructing his or her career. Moreover, the higher the role, the greater the responsibility. Both tasks (constructing a career and assuming responsibility) produce stress, which can be managed to varying degrees. In the first hour, participants will discuss how they face these problems, and based on these true examples, further strategies to improve their efficacy and resilience will be proposed. In the second hour, participants will work in subgroups to apply the recommendations to their own cases.
Moderators:
Prof. Demis Basso, Coordinator of the research area in Psychology and well being promotion in educational contexts and of the Cognitive and Educational Sciences Lab
Franziska Terzer, unibz alumna of the Bachelor in Economic Sciences, Major in Business Studies
Degendering work context
Participants: min 7
Reflections on the topic of gender equality are an opportunity to take stock of the road travelled and the road still to be travelled to achieve full gender equality. Ensuring women equal opportunities and equal rights of access to careers in the STEM fields is therefore not only a matter of social justice, but an essential milestone for global economic development itself. During the discussion, scientific data on the working environment with a focus on STEM fields will be presented and work experiences in academia and industry will be shared. Women working in a male-dominated field know what it means to be in the minority, and we would like to share best practices and discuss biased stereotypes in the STEM fields.
Moderators:
Prof. Luisa Petti, Degree Course director of the Bachelor in Electronics and Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering
Prof. De Angeli Antonella, Professor of Human-Computer Interaction
Gufler Patrizia, unibz alumna of the Bachelor in Applied Computer Science
Design for Sustainability with a More-than-Human Approach
Participants: min 5
The multiple crises we are experiencing today require radical changes at a systemic and individual level in order to undo the enormous damage that humankind has been doing in our current epoch – Anthropocene. Involving more-than-human thinking in design could open up critical understanding on how sustainability can be applied as a holistic approach that puts nature not as a mere resource but as an ecosystem with a perspective shift from human-centeredness. The first part of the panel will introduce the theme, design for sustainability from a more-than-human perspective with case-studies, following with a discussion session. As a second part, it goes beyond the thematic discussion and opens up to a more practical dimension, addressing various tools and methods that can be applied to be more responsible and active to contribute to sustainable transitions.
Moderators:
Prof. Ugur Yavuz Secil, Degree Course director of the Master in Eco-Social Design
Angelica Cianflone, unibz alumna of the Master in Eco-Social Design
Digital Technologies and new ways of working
Participants: min 7
Over the past decade, organisations have discovered simpler, more robust and agile ways of working. These modern agile approaches have in common both a focus on producing outstanding results and also the growth of an excellent culture. Today, it makes even more sense to explore and embrace new ways of working in a post-pandemic era and with the rise of AI technologies. What could be various new agile ways of working and how can we create and transform organizational cultures where they can flourish? Please join us to discuss on the latest innovations in research and practice, as well as share your knowledge and experience on this topic.
Moderators:
Prof. Wang Xiaofeng, Degree Course director of the Master in Software Engineering
Aldo Doronzo, unibz alumnus
Eco-sustainable food and consumption
Participants: min 5
The discussion will focus on global food security and how we can shape the transition to more sustainable agricultural production systems. However, the focus will be on respecting the integrity of the natural resources that underpin a healthy planet and future generations in the face of changing global and local demands and approach topics like obesity, hunger and malnutrition. How can we support regenerative, durable, sustainable and economically adaptable systems in the face of a changing planet also due to climate change? Is regionality and fair food trade the key? How can food loss and waste contribute to meeting global and local needs?
Moderators:
Prof. Christian Fischer, Vice-Dean for Studies and Degree Course director of the Bachelor in Agricultural, Food and Mountain Environmental Sciences
Martina Frapporti, unibz alumna of the Bachelor in Agricultural and Agro-Environmental Sciences
Financial security and retirement benefits
Participants: min 7
Dive into the world of financial independence where the golden years gleam brighter! Imagine unlocking a future where you could be relaxed and financially comfortable. In the heart of this vision lies the mastery of financial security and the strategic use of retirement benefits. Tailored to the unique Italian and European systems, this journey involves more than just saving; it’s an artful blend of government pensions, bespoke employer plans, and savvy personal investments. During this discussion group new findings from recent literature on personal finance are presented, as well as challenges and opportunities you can easily take starting now!
Moderators:
Prof. Claudia Curi, Degree Course director of the Master in Accounting and Finance
Patrick Lombardo, unibz alumnus of the Bachelor in Economics and Management and the Master in Accounting and Finance
Managing employees of different generations
Participants: min 10
Multiple generations bring challenges as well as opportunities to the management of organisations. The current demographic situation dictates that people will continue to work with colleagues of various ages and generations. Thus, not only a common ground for working but also managing the diverse workforce is required. That includes the understanding of the different expectations towards work among the generations. During this discussion group the newest findings from research are presented, the challenges and opportunities for organisations related to multigenerational workforce are reviewed and potential responses are discussed.