An Ulster University-led initiative will hold a public forum on artificial intelligence in Derry next month. The event, titled AI and Our Society, takes place at the Guildhall on Thursday September 10. It is free to attend and open to people from across Northern Ireland, though advance registration is required.

The forum is hosted by the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC), an Ulster University-led programme that promotes awareness and responsible adoption of AI. It is delivered in partnership with AI for Collective Intelligence (AI4CI). Doors open at 5.30pm and the discussion begins at 6pm.

The session aims to explore how AI is shaping communities, public services, education and the workplace. It will also address ethics, environmental impact and governance while considering how to use AI responsibly.

The discussion will be chaired by Lorraine Acheson, an independent strategy and policy adviser. Panelists include Patricia O'Hagan of Core Systems, Mark Lee from the Department for the Economy, Kathryn Harkin from NTT DATA, Ulster University professor Michaela Black, and AICC director David Crozier.

Professor Michaela Black, AICC principal investigator and AI4CI theme lead, said AI raises questions about the kind of society people want to build and the values that should guide development. She noted that decisions made now will have long-term implications and said the event aims to give people confidence to challenge assumptions and share their perspectives. Black added that responsible innovation depends on whether technology reflects public needs, earns trust and delivers meaningful benefits.

Professor Seth Bullock, AI4CI Hub director, said events like this give people opportunities for meaningful conversations with experts and decision makers. He said AI has potential to help groups tackle shared challenges, including reducing traffic congestion, making community decisions and managing health conditions.