Big Data: science or omen?

In recent years, the amount of data that society collects and stores has increased exponentially. Our ability to process these data has also increased at the same rate. Machine learning enables us to use these data to make predictions about the future. This lecture will introduce the discipline of machine learning through some of its applications to problems of prediction in science and engineering. Up until 50 years ago, the only reliable method available to humanity for making predictions was scientific methodology. The speaker will discuss to what extent the capacities for prediction that Big Data offers us represent a complement to scientific methodology, or whether – in the most extreme case – they may cause it to become obsolete. The speaker will examine the impact these prediction systems could have on society, and particularly on the processes of scientific production and technology transfer.

Cycle: SCIENCE ON MONDAY: Artificial intelligence, today and tomorrow

Organized by: Residencia de Investigadores, Delegación en Cataluña CSIC, Instituto de Investigación en Inteligencia Artificial (IIIA-CSIC)