THE MIND OF MACHINES: AI AWARENESS AND CONSCIOUSNESS

What does it mean for a machine to have consciousness? Dive into this intriguing question at the “The Mind of Machines: AI Awareness and Consciousness” workshop, taking place online on 10th April 2025 from 15:00 to 17:00 CET. Organised by Hedi Karray, Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence at the European Innovation Council (EIC), alongside notable AI experts, this session promises to probe the evolving capabilities of AI, focusing particularly on the development of self-aware and conscious technologies.

The session begins at 15:00 with introductions by Hedi Karray and Stefania De Santi, EIC Communities project coordinator. At 15:10, Carles Sierra from the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (IIIA) of the Spanish National Research Council will delve into the concept of AI awareness and machine consciousness—referring to AI’s potential for subjective experiences or self-awareness similar to human consciousness. Karim Nouira from SICS AI follows at 15:30, presenting research into AI systems endowed with childlike curiosity and learning capabilities.

At 15:50, Ana Tanevska from Uppsala University will critically examine ethical dimensions and societal implications surrounding artificial consciousness. Flavia Popescu-Richardson from Acclivity Ventures discusses investment opportunities in next-generation AI innovations at 16:10, highlighting economic and commercial considerations.

The workshop concludes with a panel session at 16:30 featuring Flavia Popescu-Richardson, Luis Leiva (University of Luxembourg), Ricardo Sanz (Technical University of Madrid), and Ana Tanevska, encouraging a comprehensive exploration of AI’s ethical, technical, and economic impacts.

Agenda Summary:

• 15:00 – Welcome & Introduction – Hedi Karray (EIC), Stefania De Santi (EIC Communities)
• 15:10 – AI Awareness and Consciousness – Carles Sierra (IIIA, Spanish National Research Council)
• 15:30 – AI with the curiosity of a child – Karim Nouira (SICS AI)
• 15:50 – Exploring Ethical Dimensions of Artificial Awareness – Ana Tanevska (Uppsala University)
• 16:10 – Investing in next AI generation – Flavia Popescu-Richardson (Acclivity Ventures)
• 16:30 – Panel Discussion – Flavia Popescu-Richardson (Acclivity Ventures), Luis Leiva (University of Luxembourg), Ricardo Sanz (Technical University of Madrid), Ana Tanevska (Uppsala University)

Don’t miss out on this novel discussion. Register now to participate!