You are cordially invited to a talk by Brian Downie on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Talk Overview

Having worked with renowned engineers and mentored many young talents, Brian served as President of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering in 2019, focusing on education and artificial intelligence (AI). His talk will explore the impact of AI on the future, especially following the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, and how we can manage this rapidly evolving technology.

Brian Downie Bio

He was born in Ireland and graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in Civil Engineering in 1970 before getting married and setting off to travel the world. Durban was his first port of call – and his last. Engineering is all about people and he has been privileged to have worked with some of the most charismatic engineers of the older generation and to act as a mentor to a host of talented and enthusiastic members of the younger generation – and to enjoy life on the way – culminating in his election as President of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering in 2019.

His theme that year was centered around Education and Artificial Intelligence and the effect it will have on the lives of the young people of South Africa. Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 there has been a tidal wave of interest in the subject. The content of his talk revolves around what to expect and how we can manage the exponential growth of a technology which will change our lives forever.

Join us for what promises to be an inspiring and informative evening with wine, juice, snacks, and good company.

Date: Monday, 9 September 2024

Time: 17h00 for 17h30

Venue: Murray Lecture Theatre, (Centenary Building, opposite the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre entrance) Howard College Campus, Durban

COST: R50 per person (payable on arrival)

RSVP BY: Monday, 2 September 2024

Please click here to confirm attendance.

Please see invitation here.

Enquiries to: Nkosazana Manzi | Email: manzin@ukzn.ac.za  |Contact No: 031-260-2016

Robin Ralfe

Chairman Durban Alumni Association