Section Autumn Meeting & RIA Discourse – October 2024
The Autumn 2024 Section Meeting took place at Trinity College Dublin over two half-days on October 3rd and 4th, with nearly 30 Officers and Chairs attending in person. We were honoured to have IEEE President Dr Tom Coughlin lead a closed Townhall Meeting for Section ExCom Members. Additionally, Prof. Antonio Luque, R8 Past President, was also in attendance.
The focus of the meeting was to reflect on the progress made, share valuable insights, and discuss future goals from multiple perspectives. Outgoing Society Chapter Chairs presented their achievements and highlighted the key lessons learned during their tenure, providing a wealth of experience for others to build upon. Current Chairs shared updates on ongoing initiatives, outlining both successes and challenges faced in their roles. Incoming Chairs presented their strategic plans and visions for the future, emphasising areas of growth and improvement. Additionally, a significant part of the discussions centred around strengthening collaboration and coordination between different sections, exploring practical ways to operationalize cooperation and ensure effective communication across the board. This collaborative exchange aimed at fostering a shared understanding and a cohesive approach towards the future of the organisation.
On Thursday evening, Section ExCom Members had the privilege of attending a special event at the Royal Irish Academy, a prestigious venue known for its commitment to advancing knowledge and scholarship. The highlight of the evening was an engaging discourse on the topic of artificial intelligence, led by Dr. Tom Coughlin, the 2024 IEEE President. Dr Coughlin shared his expertise on the evolving landscape of AI, discussing its recent advancements, future potential, and the ethical considerations surrounding its development and implementation.
The discourse was moderated by Professor Orla Feely, President of University College Dublin (UCD). Her role as moderator added depth to the conversation, as she facilitated a dynamic discussion between Dr Coughlin and the audience. Professor Feely guided the conversation through key themes, ensuring that complex ideas were accessible and that audience questions were addressed thoughtfully. The evening provided a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the future of AI from leading experts and to reflect on the broader implications of these technologies for society, industry, and academia.
