Innovation leader Tom Jenkins to deliver lecture on AI and its impact on society
McMaster graduate and tech pioneer Tom Jenkins will give this year's John Hodgins Memorial Lecture about the practical applications of AI, and the value of understanding and adopting these new digital tools.
McMaster graduate and renowned technology leader Tom Jenkins will deliver this year’s John Hodgins Memorial Lecture, a free community event that will focus this year on artificial intelligence and society.
As chair of the board of OpenText, Jenkins has played a significant role in the development and deployment of transformative technologies that have reshaped industries and society.
His lecture on Oct. 2, “The Practical Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Today’s Society,” will explore the profound impact of AI on engineering design, product delivery and service management.
Jenkins will discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI tools such as ChatGPT, and the development of data lakes and information management systems that drive innovation behind the scenes.
“Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we approach engineering and business,” Jenkins says. “Understanding and effectively adopting these new tools is crucial for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
The event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 2 in L.R. Wilson Hall. It will begin with a reception in the lobby from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., followed by the lecture from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. in the concert hall. Click here to learn more or register.
A Q&A session will offer attendees the opportunity to engage directly with Jenkins and gain deeper insights into the future of AI and its applications.
Jenkins graduated from McMaster with a degree in Engineering Physics and Management in 1982, received an honorary doctorate in 2015, and has been a pivotal figure in the technology sector for more than four decades.
His extensive experience includes serving as a director of OpenText since 1994; chair of the World Wide Web Foundation; and past chair of the National Research Council of Canada. His contributions to technology and innovation have been recognized with numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates from six universities.
“Tom Jenkins’ extensive and diverse experience in the technology sector promises to deliver an inspiring and highly informative lecture,” says Heather Sheardown, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
“We are excited to gain insights into how AI will continue to transform our society and drive innovation.”
About the John Hodgins Memorial Lecture Series
The John Hodgins Memorial Lecture series, established in 1983, honours the legacy of John W. Hodgins, McMaster’s first director of Engineering Studies. The series aims to bring distinguished speakers to the university to share their knowledge and inspire the next generation of engineers.
