Shows
The Algorithmic Futures PodcastTrailer: Nuclear Matters, with Liz WilliamsIt's been a bit quiet this year on the Algorithmic Podcasts feed, but that doesn't mean we've been idle. Here's the trailer for Liz's new podcast, Nuclear Matters, which we'll be releasing episodes for soon. Subscribe on your favourite podcast platform (Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Listen Notes) so you never miss an episode. Zena has also been busy producing episodes for her new podcast, Responsible Bytes - so subscribe to that one as well while you're at it! 2025-04-1102 min
Future TenseAI's "hidden labour" and the move toward a linkless internetArtificial intelligence, it turns out, has a heavy human backend — they're called "data labellers"; they mostly live in developing countries, and there are ethical questions about their pay and work conditions. So, why aren't we talking more about them? Also, Google and other search companies have begun replacing hyperlinks with AI summaries. It's a move seemingly in line with our AI obsessed times, but what will it do to the tapestry of the internet? And will it simply make online information even harder to verify?GuestsDr Zena Assaad — Senior lecturer, School of Engineering, Australian Nati...2025-04-1128 min
The Algorithmic Futures PodcastHow AI and geopolitics are driving change in the nuclear sector, with Cindy VestergaardHow is the booming AI industry linked to the world’s growing interest in nuclear power? What might this mean for the future of both sectors (and the planet) moving forward? We talk about all this and far more in our chat with Cindy Vestergaard, Senior Fellow and Director of Converging Technologies and Global Security at the Stimson Center in Washington DC. If you have an interest in how complex (disruptive) technologies shape and are shaped by the complexities of our rapidly changing world, then this episode is for you. This is our last episode of season 3! ...2024-11-0652 min
The National Security PodcastKiller robots and unpredictability: the new face of weapons regulationHow will automated systems and artificial intelligence change the nature of weaponry?What ethical issues are at play when we discuss lethal autonomous weapons? Can weapons be programmed to follow the laws of armed conflict?How does public literacy influence perceptions of weapons systems?In this episode, Zena Assaad and Lauren Sanders join Danielle Ireland-Piper to discuss weapons regulation, and how artificial intelligence and autonomous systems changes the arms landscape.Dr Zena Assaad is a Senior Research Fellow with the School of Engineering at the Australian National University (ANU).2024-10-3137 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastEngineering futures, with Jane MacMasterEngineers use STEM skills (and beyond) to solve problems – but what does a career in engineer look like? How do we attract students to careers in engineering? How do we foster and support diversity and inclusion in the engineering workforce? And finally, how do we train engineers to manage the increase in complexity that comes with emergent technologies like artificial intelligence – particularly for safety-critical settings? We explore these questions (and beyond) with Jane MacMaster, Global Engineering Integrity Director at Babcock International Group, and former Chief Engineer of Engineers Australia. Credits Guest: Jane MacMaster 2024-10-0243 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastRegulating artificial intelligence, with Geoff MulganWhat does it take to regulate artificial intelligence? We invited Professor Geoff Mulgan of University College London, author of When Science Meets Power (Polity Press) and many other titles, to help us unpack the possibilities. Listen in as he draws on his background in technology, governance, academia, and beyond to consider this multidimensional challenge and offer some thoughts on how to make progress. There are some calls to action, too, for those of you in the field. Credits Guest: Geoff Mulgan Co-Hosts: Zena Assaad and Liz Williams Producers: Robbie S...2024-08-2853 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastSoaring with drones, swimming with whales, with Dr Vanessa PirottaThis month, we chat with Dr Vanessa Pirotta, a wildlife scientist and science communicator with a passion for creatively making use of technology for her work in wildlife conservation. We learn all about how she uses drones to survey the health of whales in transit and what research like this is telling us about these magnificent creatures. We also get into a wide-ranging discussion about life in science as a woman in STEM and in academia, the importance of sharing our work with society, the role citizen science can play in our understanding of the world, and so much...2024-07-3145 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastExploring AI standards, with Dr Kobi LeinsWhat are AI standards – and why should we care? Our guest today, Dr Kobi Leins, has first-hand experience as both contributor to the development of AI standards for the world and a professional working on supporting safe AI in real world industry contexts. We talk about what AI standards are for and why the discussion and work feeding into standards – and AI development and deployment more broadly – matters for us all. It’s the kind of tricky discussion that starts in industry and day-to-day applications of AI, and ends in military uses of AI. If you care about AI...2024-06-2658 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastS03E03: How AI is transforming astronomy (and other stories), with Dr Sara WebbThe idea that artificial intelligence is taking our jobs can be scary – but in actuality, there are cases where this is a good thing. Dr Sara Webb (Swinburne University of Technology) shares one of these stories in today’s episode, which begins with a TedX talk in Melbourne and ends with a discussion of some of the many ways techniques developed for astrophysics are transforming seemingly unrelated fields. Sara is an astrophysicist based at Swinburne University and is also a published author with a talent for communicating complex ideas about our universe (and AI) for broad audiences. Listen in to h...2024-05-2940 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastThe art of artificial intelligence, with Eryk SalvaggioIn the age of DALL-E and Stable Diffusion, what counts as art? And what can art tell us about AI? In this episode, we explore these questions and more with the help of Eryk Salvaggio, a US-based artist, designer and researcher whose work explores the fabric of artificial intelligence -- and often playfully defies its boundaries. Credits Guest – Eryk Salvaggio Hosts – Zena Assaad and Liz Williams Producers – Robbie Slape, Zena Assaad, Liz Williams Audio Producer – Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio) Thank you to the Australian National Centre for the Pu...2024-04-2343 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastS03E01: Relics, reciprocity, and risk: A tale of two co-hostsIt is the launch of season 3 of this podcast, and we thought it was high time for a positionality statement – er, episode. Why not align it with the start of a new season and our debut on YouTube? Listen in for an episode featuring our co-hosts, Liz Williams and Zena Assaad, in which we explore everything from relics, reactions, reciprocity, risk, and the complexities involved in creating and regulating AI systems in the real world. Credits: Co-hosts: Zena Assaad and Liz Williams Producers: Robbie Slape, Zena Assaad, Liz Williams, and Martin Franklin (East Coa...2024-03-2746 min
The Cove Community PodcastAdapting Army | Ethical and legal considerations of emerging military technology. COL Damian Copeland & Dr Zena Assaad"Can we trust autonomous systems? Are our laws and policies keeping pace with emerging technology? Who is accountable for the actions of an uncrewed or autonomous system?In this episode of the Adapting Army Podcast, were joined by Colonel Damian Copeland, the Director of Operations and International Law, Department of Defence. Damian has immense experience in the legal review of weapons, specifically weapons and systems enhanced by Artificial Intelligence. We’re also joined by Dr Zena Assaad, who is a fellow with the Australian Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Re...2024-03-1358 min
Law and the Future of WarFuture of War series: Algorithmic Futures with Zena Assaad and Elizabeth WilliamsSend us a textAs part of our ‘futures’ mini-series, in this episode we are looking specifically at Algorithmic Futures, with hosts of the podcast of the same name: Dr Zena Assaad and Dr Elizabeth Williams, both from ANU. Today we are going to specifically focus on the breadth of the design and uncertainty problem for capabilities augmented by algorithms. Elizabeth T. Williams is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at the Australian National University (ANU). She has a PhD in experimental nuclear structure from Yale University. Since joining the ANU in 2012...2023-12-2138 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastS02E09: Robotics, Entrepreneurship, and Art, with Damith HerathIn our final episode of season 2, we are grateful to be joined by Damith Herath, Associate Professor of Robotics and Art at the University of Canberra. Damith is a multi-talented roboticist with a long history of working in the art world, and an interest in understanding how to shape human-robot collaboration in real-world environments. During our conversation, Damith talks to us about how his innate drive to experiment with electronics and robotics led him from an entrepreneurial childhood in Sri Lanka to the forefront of robotics and automation research in Australia. Credits: Guest: Damith Herath (Un...2023-11-2953 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastNavigating autonomous weapons systems and responsible military technology, with Lauren SandersWhat does responsibility look like in military contexts – and how do you think about encoding it in autonomous military technologies with the capacity to harm? In today’s episode, we explore this topic from a legal perspective with the help of Lauren Sanders. Lauren is a senior research fellow at the University of Queensland with expertise in international criminal law, international humanitarian law, and domestic counter-terrorism law. She is also host and editor of the Law and the Future of War podcast. Episode Credits: Guest: Lauren Sanders Co-Hosts: Zena Assaad and Liz Williams 2023-10-2552 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastExploring the nuclear mindset, with Veronica Taylor, Ed Simpson, and Will GrantIn this episode, we explore the “nuclear mindset” – a term being thrown around in discussions about Australia’s plans to acquire conventionally-armed, nuclear powered submarines as part of the AUKUS trilateral partnership between the US, UK, and Australia. With the help of Veronica Taylor, Will Grant, and Ed Simpson, guest co-host AJ Mitchell and I explore what a nuclear mindset might look like, and discuss how we can help train a new generation of nuclear technology creators, regulators and dreamers approach their work with the care needed to make use of nuclear technologies safely, responsibly, and securely in an Australi...2023-09-271h 06The Algorithmic Futures PodcastHow to shape technology (and society) with equity and inclusion in mind, with Tracey SpicerOur episode today features Tracey Spicer, award winning journalist, author, and social justice advocate who begins this episode with a story from her own life: her son, after watching an episode of South Park, declared “Mum, I want a robot slave.” This declaration prompted Tracey to begin a seven-year journey exploring how society shapes the technology we surround ourselves with, and how technology in turn shapes us. Her findings are documented in her latest book, Man-Made, which was published by Simon & Schuster earlier this year. Tune in to hear more about Tracey’s latest book, her work as a journa...2023-08-3047 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastSafeguarding the Future: Responsible AI Use in Education and Beyond, with Simon ChestermanYou have probably heard of ChatGPT – the generative AI language model that is already transforming work and education. In this episode, we explore the many potential benefits and challenges ChatGPT and models like it pose for education and law with the help of Simon Chesterman, author of We, the Robots? Regulating Artificial Intelligence and the Limits of the Law, David Marshall Professor and Vice Provost of Educational Innovation at the National University of Singapore, Senior Director of AI Governance at AI Singapore, and Editor of the Asian Journal of International Law. This episode has something for everyone who is in...2023-07-261h 00The Algorithmic Futures PodcastHow the oak tree flourishes in the cheese grater of innovation, with Kate DevittWhat does human flourishing have to do with human-machine teams? And how do we meaningfully engage stakeholders in consultations about some of the most challenging problems of our time? Listen in as we explore some of these questions with Kate Devitt, co-founder and CEO of BetterBeliefs – a platform for evidence-based stakeholder engagement and decision-making – who also happens to be an internationally recognized leader in ethical robotics, autonomous systems and AI. Credits: Guest: Kate Devitt Hosts: Zena Assaad and Liz Williams Producers: Zena Assaad, Liz Williams, Martin Franklin (East Coast Studios) Th...2023-06-2852 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastNavigating space law and space inclusivity with Cassandra SteerMost of us have a vested interest in what happens in space – whether we know it or not. Listen in as we talk to Cassandra Steer, Deputy Director of the Australian National University Institute for Space – or ANU InSpace, for short – about space law, diversity and inclusivity in the space sector, and why having diverse perspectives contribute to Australia’s future in space is important for us all. Credits: Guest: Cassandra Steer Hosts: Zena Assaad and Liz Williams Producers: Zena Assaad, Liz Williams and Martin Franklin (East Coast Studio) Theme mu...2023-05-2449 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastThe future of robotics in Australia, With Sue KeayOur second episode of Season 2 features Sue Keay. Sue is currently the robotics technology lead at OZ Minerals, Chair and Founder of Robotics Australia Group, and is a member of the Advisory Committee for the National Robotics Strategy (amongst many other accomplishments). She joined us for a chat shortly before the Department of Industry, Science and Resources released its National Robotics Strategy discussion paper – which Sue had a hand in shaping – and shared with us the many challenges and opportunities she sees for the future of robotics in Australia. Episode credits Guest: Sue Keay H...2023-04-2658 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastArtificial intelligence and the human gaze, with Julie CarpenterOur first episode of Season 2 features Julie Carpenter, author of Culture and Human-Robot Interaction in Militarised Spaces: A War Story. Julie is a social scientist based in San Francisco, and her work explores how humans experience emerging technologies. Listen in as we delve into the relationship between humans and robots, exploring everything from love and intimacy to the bonds humans form with robots deployed in military settings. Content warning and disclaimer: We talk about adult themes in this episode, so it may not be one to share with minors. We also produce this podcast for your education a...2023-03-2947 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastEpisode 10: Creating purposeful technology with Jenny ZhangToday, we’re honoured to be joined by Jenny Zhang -- a software engineer and writer based in Canada. Her purpose-driven approach to technology development comes through clearly throughout our time with her, and (we think) offers up valuable lessons to anyone seeking to generate beneficial impact in the tech industry. Listen in as we talk to Jenny about her circuitous path to software development, what it means to be a full stack engineer, her considerations of privacy and safety in voice datasets, values and career trajectories, and more. This is the last episode for thi...2022-11-1642 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastEducation, Intersectionality, and Inclusive Technologies, with Dr Caitlin Bentley from King’s College LondonIn this episode we talk with Caitlin Bentley, a Lecturer in AI Education at King’s College London. Caitlin’s research has predominantly engaged with questions around how technology systems can be designed and implemented in ways that promote social inclusion, empowerment and democratic participation. Tune in to hear about a theme of fierce women in history, the ups and downs of experimenting with educational pedagogies, intersectionality and its applications in technology research, and critical Black feminists across history. Please note: Caitlin briefly mentions encountering evidence of violence against women as part of her experiences in Morocco. This...2022-10-1256 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastA look back, a look forward - Podcasting as a medium for collaboration and education, and a glimpse at the future of the Algorithmic Futures PodcastIn this episode, co-hosts Zena and Liz share some of their experiences on creating podcast episodes in support of the Social Responsibility of Algorithms workshop series and discuss the potential futures of the Algorithmic Futures podcast. Along the way, they have a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from how assumptions get embedded in technologies deployed at scale to what it’s like being a woman working in a male-dominated STEM field. This episode was developed in support of the Algorithmic Futures Policy Lab, a collaboration between the Australian National University (ANU) Centre for European Studies, ANU Sc...2022-08-3144 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastThe future of water is digital, with Sam Yenamandra from Murrumbidgee IrrigationIn today’s episode, we get a sense of what it’s like to manage a water system here in Australia with the help of our guest, Sam Yenamandra, the manager of Asset Performance at Murrumbidgee Irrigation. Murrumbidgee Irrigation has been going through something like a technological revolution for the past 20 years -- driven by the need to deliver water more efficiently and reliably, and provide greater flexibility to customers they serve. As you’ll hear from Sam, data is at the heart of this revolution. And what they’re doing now is only the start of a massive – and global...2022-06-291h 07The Algorithmic Futures PodcastCould COVID-19 influence our technological futures?In this episode, we explore the way technology scales in times of rapid change – such as the time in which we currently live. We’ll use a single piece of technology to shape our exploration: the South Australian Home Quarantine app. This was rolled out as a trial to enable home quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. The app was the focus of intense debate in Australia, and drew attention from commentators in the US, because it used facial recognition combined with GPS data to monitor participants in the program. We have a fantastic line-up of guests to help...2022-05-2658 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastAI policy approaches in Australia and the EU, with Katherine Daniell and Flynn ShawIn this episode, Katherine Daniell and Flynn Shaw from the Australian National University (ANU) join us to talk about the ways Australia and the EU governments approach artificial intelligence policy. This episode is designed to provide attendees of the Social Responsibility of Algorithms 2022 a brief overview of the approaches both sets of governments use to shape the present and future of artificial intelligence. Katherine is a professor in the ANU School of Cybernetics and Fenner School of Environment and Society, and Flynn is a researcher in the ANU School of Cybernetics. You can read more about Katherine...2022-05-1127 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastBanking pasts and futures, with Dan Jermyn of Commonwealth BankIn this episode, we chat with Dan Jermyn, Chief Decision Scientist for Commonwealth Bank of Australia, about an artificial intelligence-enabled digital system the bank uses to communicate with its 15 million+ customers. As you’ll hear in the episode, Dan has a track record of leading teams involved in creating groundbreaking data-driven tools for the financial sector in both the UK and Australia. We invited him to join us today to talk about the Customer Engagement Engine or CEE – a system that uses customer data and artificial intelligence to help the bank communicate with its customers across all of its platforms. CEE...2022-04-2845 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastEpisode 3: Public trust and accountability in the digital age, with Pia AndrewsIn this episode, we chat with Pia Andrews, a self-described “open government, digital transformation and data geek” with a passion for making the world a better place. She predominantly works in the public sector transforming public services, policies and culture through greater transparency, democratic engagement, citizen-centric design, open data and emerging technologies in the public sector and beyond. For more about Pia, visit her website, pipka.org. We invited Pia to join us today because she has been thinking deeply about how to create and use technology for public good for the last 20 years. She will also be pr...2022-03-301h 00
The Algorithmic Futures PodcastAn ocean of data, with Lyndon Llewellyn from the Australian Institute of Marine ScienceIn this episode, we chat with Dr Lyndon Llewellyn, Research Manager for the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), about the past, present, and cyber-physical future of AIMS's work on the Great Barrier Reef. As you'll hear in the episode, Lyndon is a multidisciplinary scientist, with expertise in biology, pharmacology, biotechnology and data science. He has a track record of creating and leading multi-organisational projects focusing on biotechnology, marine ecotoxicology, and e-research. He is also well versed in the business of doing science, with a long track record of serving in management roles that have enabled him...2022-02-2757 minThe Algorithmic Futures PodcastSputnik, revolutionaries, and algorithmic systems with Alexis Tsoukiás and Fred Roberts In this episode we chat to Fred Roberts, Distinguished Professor of Mathematics at Rutgers University, and Alexis Tsoukiàs, a CNRS research director at LAMSADE, PSL University, Université Paris Dauphine, on how they came to be prominent researchers within their respective fields, complex real-world systems, and how the Social Responsibility of Algorithms workshop series (2022, 2019, 2017) came to be. Fred S. Roberts is a Distinguished Professor of Mathematics at Rutgers University and Director of the Command, Control, and Interoperability Center for Advanced Data Analysis (CCICADA), a US Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence (COE). For 16 years he directed DIMACS, the Ce...2022-01-2440 min