Speaker: Prof. Yuan-Sen Ting
The rapid evolution of AI has caught many scientists off guard and could fundamentally change how science is conducted. Yet this potentially paradigm-shifting optimism needs grounding in reality. The scientific community remains polarized, ranging from AI dismissal to AI evangelism. The truth lies somewhere in between: AI systems can now win gold medals in the International Mathematical Olympiad and International Olympiad in Informatics, yet struggle with basic tasks humans take for granted, like reading plots. This talk explores how AI is reshaping the landscape of science and scientific education, challenging the very identity of scientists, while exploring the limitations of current AI systems.
This event is free and open to the public. We ask that you kindly RSVP using the updated form below, but registration is not required to attend the lecture. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis.
Yuan-Sen Ting is an associate professor in the Department of Astronomy at Ohio State, working at the intersection of AI and astronomy. He is broadly interested in data modeling problems in complex astronomical observations and explores various aspects of how modern AI, particularly chatbots like ChatGPT, can accelerate scientific discovery. He has published in journals such as Nature and Nature Astronomy and has been featured in TEDx talks, podcasts, and print media. A Malaysian native, he also writes columns in Malaysia, often discussing topics spanning from AI to astronomy and everything in between. Yuan-Sen graduated with a PhD from Harvard University and was a NASA Hubble Fellow at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.
Science Sundays is a free lecture series open to the public that provides a wide range of current and emerging topics and issues in science that touch our everyday lives. Speakers are experts in their fields from on campus and around the world with experience in making their topics interesting and accessible for audiences of all ages, with or without a science background.
Each lecture is followed by a free, informal reception from 4-5 p.m. at the Ohio Staters Traditions Room in the Ohio Union.
