The UCD College of Social Sciences and Law marked its 10-year anniversary series of events this week with the launch of its inaugural Annual Social Sciences Lecture, welcoming Professor Wayne Holmes (University College London; UNESCO Chair in the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and Education) to campus.
The event was opened by Professor Niamh Moore-Cherry, Principal of the College of Social Sciences and Law, who reflected on a decade of academic achievement, collaboration and growth across the College, and looked ahead to the next ten years of research, innovation and public engagement.
Professor Holmes delivered a compelling lecture offering a critical perspective on artificial intelligence in education. His talk encouraged the audience to think beyond the hype, emphasising the importance of understanding how AI tools actually work, the risks of overreliance, and the profound implications for students, teachers and society. He also highlighted the environmental costs of large-scale AI infrastructures, drawing attention to the energy and water demands of data centres and the broader sustainability challenges they pose.
Following the lecture, a panel discussion moderated by Professor Aphra Kerr (UCD Centre for Digital Policy & UCD School of Information & Communication Studies) brought together leading experts from across the College: Professor Rachel Farrell (UCD School of Education), Professor Benjamin Cowan (UCD School of Information & Communication Studies) and Dr Leda Berio (UCD School of Philosophy). The panel explored AI’s ethical, educational and societal dimensions, followed by an audience Q&A featuring contributions from industry representatives, academics and members of the public.
Reflecting on the event, Niamh Professor Moore-Cherry said:
"As we celebrate ten years of the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law, it is fitting that our inaugural Annual Social Sciences Lecture addressed one of the most significant questions facing society: the place of artificial intelligence in education. Professor Wayne Holmes brought a rigorous, hugely engaging and insightful critical perspective that is helping us to better understand not only how AI is changing education, but how we can move forward responsibly and ethically. It was an excellent opportunity to also showcase the expertise within our College in this field through our panel discussion. This event puts into practice our vision to support informed public discourse and ensure the social sciences continue to frame and lead essential societal conversations."
Professor Colin Scott, Registrar and Deputy President of University College Dublin, closed the inaugural event, acknowledging the significance of the lecture and noted the ongoing work across the College
View the full calendar of 10-year anniversary events at the UCD College of Social Sciences and Law here.