The Future of Skills in
the AI Era

Join a team of global thought leaders to form a council on
The Future of Skills in the AI Era

September 22nd, 2023
9:00 am to 5:00 pm*
NASA’s Ames Research Center,
Moffett Field, CA

*8:30 am – 9:00 am Breakfast | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Cocktail Reception

This inaugural event is organized jointly by NASA’s Ames Research Center, UC Berkeley’s Fisher Center for Business Analytics (FCBA) in the Haas School of Business, and the new College of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS).

We are bringing together thought leaders from academia, government, and industry to tackle challenges related to the ever-growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) at all levels of society. The program includes presentations, panels, and break-out discussions to address the following four questions:

  • Is there a universal skillset to thrive in a tech-driven world?
  • How to address professional development challenges in the future of work?
  • What is the campus and pedagogy of the future to scale education globally?
  • What ethical guidelines and behaviors will lay the foundation of a human-compatible AI?

 

A Unique Lineup of Speakers

Stay tuned for more details as we reveal our guest speakers.

Preliminary Agenda*

Welcome Café | 8:30 am - 9:00 am

Join us at our Welcome Café! Meet fellow attendees, network, and enjoy refreshments before the main event. Don’t miss the chance to make lasting connections and set the tone for an unforgettable journey.

Morning Part 1: Expert Sessions | 8:45 am - 10:40 am
Time Theme Speaker(s)
8:45 am

8:50 am
Introduction to the NASA Berkeley Symposium Sandrine Dudoit, Alexandre Bayen, Gauthier Vasseur – UC Berkeley
8:50 am

9:00 am
France and the Future of Skills in the AI Era Frédéric Jung, Consul General in San Francisco, Consulate General of France in San Francisco
9:00 am

9:20 am
How The State of California is tackling the AI imperative and the future of skills Amy Tong, Secretary of Government Operations, State of California
9:20 am

9:40 am
The Challenges and Opportunities of Skills and AI at NASA. This session will explore how cutting-edge artificial intelligence is redefining the future of space exploration. With a focus on NASA’s ambitious past and future moonshots, we’ll examine the critical skills required to harness these challenges and AI’s full potential. Dave Korsmeyer, Deputy Center Director, NASA Ames Research Center
9:40 am

10:00 am
The Future of CPU/GPU: How Technology is Pulling the Future of Skills and Work in the AI Era. Explore the evolving landscape of computing technology and its profound impact on the workforce. Learn how cutting-edge developments in CPU and GPU technologies are driving new skill requirements and transforming the way we work in the AI-driven world. Alison B. Lowndes, Senior Scientist, Global AI, Nvidia
10:00 am

10:20 am
Integrating Humans and AI Systems. Explore the intricate balance of human intellect and artificial intelligence in space exploration and beyond. Understand how the seamless integration of these elements is shaping the future of skills, collaboration, and innovation. Alonso Vera, Senior Scientist for Distributed Collaborative Systems, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
10:20 am

10:40 am
How Technology Changes Work. Delve into ultra-practical applied examples of how AI is transforming everyday work across industries. From automation to enhanced decision-making, discover real-world insights on the changing landscape of work. This session offers a hands-on perspective that bridges theory and practice.

Gregory Renard, Head of Applied AI, The Applied AI company

Break | 10:40 am - 10:55 am
Morning Part 2: Expert Sessions | 10:55 am - 12:15 pm

P

Time Theme Speaker(s)
10:55 am

11:15 am
The Future of Education. Uncover the vision for the campus, curricula, instructors, and mentors of the future in the AI era. Gain insights into how education is evolving to prepare the next generation for an increasingly technology-driven world. This thought-provoking session will spark new ideas and inspire educational innovation.

Frederick Wehrle, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Berkeley Extension, University of California, Berkeley

11:15 am

11:35 am
Which AI Policy to Balance Progress and Privacy? Engage in a critical discussion on crafting AI policies that foster technological advancement while safeguarding individual privacy. Navigate the delicate balance between innovation and ethics in the AI era. This session offers valuable insights for policymakers, technologists, and privacy advocates alike

Ashkan Soltani, Executive Director, California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA)

11:35 am

11:55 am
The Risk of an AI-Monitored Future of Work: Explore the delicate balance between workers’ privacy and ultra-productive AI-supported tasks. Understand the potential risks and ethical considerations that come with the integration of AI in the workplace. This session will challenge attendees to reflect on the bearings we must set in an AI-driven future

Annette Bernhardt, Director, Technology and Work Program, UC Berkeley Labor Center, University of California, Berkeley

11:55 pm

12:15 pm
Tools to Improve Human Decision-making in Complex Environments, exploring the impact of the gig economy, the future of work and services, and the human-AI interface. Gain insights into leveraging AI to enhance decision-making and adapt to rapidly changing work paradigms.

Park Sinchaisri, Assistant Professor Operations & IT Management, Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley

Lunch | 12:15 pm - 1:10 pm
Featured Session: A NASA Perspective on Quantum Computing: Opportunities and Challenges with Dr. Eleanor G. Rieffel | 1:10 pm - 1:30 pm

Delve into the cutting-edge world of quantum computing as seen through the lens of space exploration. Explore the myriad opportunities and inherent challenges this technology brings to the forefront.

Afternoon Part 1: Panel and Workshops | 1:30 pm - 3:25 pm
Time Theme Speaker(s)
1:30 pm

2:15 pm
Robots and AI for Humans. Engage in a dynamic discussion on the convergence of robotics and AI, exploring their human-centric applications and implications. This collaborative session promises to shed light on the future of human-robot interaction.
  • Alexandre Bayen, Associate Provost for Moffett Field Program Development, University of California, Berkeley (moderator),
  • Jeremy Frank: Group Lead of Planning and Scheduling Group, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),
  • Vincent Vanhoucke, Distinguished Scientist and Senior Director of Robotics, Google DeepMind,
  • Terry Fong, Chief Roboticist, NASA Ames Research Center.
2:15 pm

3:25 pm

Workshops in breakout rooms:

  • Is there a universal skillset to thrive in a tech-driven world?
  • What is the campus and pedagogy of the future to scale education globally?
  • What ethical guidelines and behaviors will lay the foundation of a humane AI?
  • How to address professional development challenges in the future of work?

Moderators:

  • Frederic Wehrle, Associate Dean, Berkeley Extension, University of California, Berkeley,
  • Annie Crew-Renzo, CalAcademy Training Program Manager, California Office of Data and Innovation,
  • Tina Panontin, Professor of Practice, San Jose State University, Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering,
  • Krisstina Wilmoth, Dean of Students, NASA Ames Research Center.
Break | 3:25 pm - 3:40 pm
Afternoon Part 2: Workshops Wrap-Up and Final Panel | 3:40 pm - 5:00 pm

 

Time Theme Speaker(s)
3:40 pm

4:20 pm
Presentation of workshop results and potential next steps Each group representative
4:20 pm

5:00 pm
Panel: International Collaboration and Silicon Valley
  • Emmanuelle Pauliac-Vaujour, Attachée pour Science et la Technologie, Consulate General of France in San Francisco
    (moderator),
  • Frédéric Jung, Consul General in san Francisco, Consulate General of France in San Francisco,
  • Gerard de Graaf, Senior Envoy for Digital to the U.S., Head of the EU office in San Francisco, European Commission,
  • Kushneruk Dmytro, Consul General in San Francisco, Consulate General of Ukraine in San Francisco,
  • Terry Pagan, Business Development Manager, NASA Ames Research Center.
Featured Session: Mission VIPER, NASA’s Next Moonshot for Humanity with Dan Andrews | 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Discover how VIPER’s state-of-the-art rover, equipped with cutting-edge technology, aims to investigate the presence of water ice on the Moon’s South Pole, unlocking possibilities for future human settlements. Gain insights into the challenges faced during the rover’s development, its planned traverse across the lunar surface, and the sophisticated instruments it houses to analyze the regolith.

Cocktail Reception | 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Join us for a delightful cocktail reception immediately following the event. It’s a chance to unwind, network, and share your thoughts from the insightful sessions. Let’s continue the conversations over appetizers and drinks!

*Pending Final Confimation

4 Featured Tracks for Workshops

The Fisher Center for Business Analytics (FCBA) in the Haas School of Business has joined forces with the new College of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS) and NASA’s Ames Research Center to create an event that promises to delve into cutting-edge AI, moonshot ideas, and the future impact on skills, education, work, technology, and ethics.

These tracks will aim at defining the foundations for each topic and set directions for subsequent research, projects, and events that the council will run on a global scale.

Is there a universal skillset to thrive in a tech-driven world?

As the world becomes more technologically driven, is there a universal skillset needed to thrive? In a landscape ever-transformed by rapid advancements in technology, AI, and generative AI, it is crucial to identify the capabilities that will remain perennially significant. We will delve into the importance of adaptive learning, digital literacy, complex problem solving, and more, navigating through the vast interplay of technical and soft skills. This symposium will explore critical skills for the digital age, from data literacy to emotional intelligence. We will dissect how these abilities enable individuals to navigate rapidly evolving tech landscapes and maximize potential in the face of AI and automation. This track promises to ignite deep conversations, foster forward-thinking strategies, and stimulate the exploration of future-ready education and workforce preparation. Let’s design a future-proof skillset.

How to address professional development challenges in the future of work?

As the contours of the workplace undergo dramatic changes due to technological innovation and AI integration, understanding and overcoming the associated professional development challenges becomes critical. This workshop will navigate the pressing issues of lifelong learning, upskilling, and reskilling in a world where job roles are continually evolving. Hear from our esteemed experts as they share strategies from successful case studies, the latest research findings, and policy initiatives aimed at workforce development. We will explore the role of educators, employers, and policymakers in fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. We’ll develop valuable insights into how to ensure their professional skills remain relevant and how to harness the power of technological advancements for career progression. Let’s design future-proof organizations.

What is the campus and pedagogy of the future to scale education globally?

Immerse yourself in an engaging exploration of “What is the campus and pedagogy of the future to scale education globally?” With increasing digitization and globalization, education systems worldwide are witnessing an unprecedented shift. This workshop will dive deep into envisioning future campuses and pedagogical approaches that can potentially revolutionize education on a global scale. Hear from our educators, technologists, and futurists and discuss novel concepts such as virtual classrooms, AI-enabled personalized learning, and the role of immersive technologies in education. Together, we’ll grapple with the challenges and opportunities of making quality education accessible, inclusive, and adaptive to future needs. Gain insights into how pedagogy is adapting to leverage technology, drive engagement, and foster critical thinking in a digital age. Let’s design future-proof education.

What ethical guidelines and behaviors will lay the foundation of a human-compatible AI?

As we increasingly rely on AI for decision-making and problem-solving, establishing a robust ethical framework becomes paramount. This workshop will unravel the multifaceted issues around AI ethics, focusing on fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy. With a group of thought leaders from the fields of AI, ethics, law, and philosophy deliberate on creating guidelines that ensure AI technologies align with human values and societal norms. Explore real-world dilemmas, theoretical underpinnings, and the potential consequences of unchecked AI development. Delve into how these ethical practices can be woven into AI’s fabric through design and regulation. Let’s create the ethical frontier of AI.

An Exclusive Session on NASA’s Next Moonshot for Humanity: Mission VIPER

NASA’s Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, is a mobile robot that will go to the South Pole of the Moon to get a close-up view of the location and concentration of water ice that could eventually be harvested to sustain human exploration on the Moon, Mars — and beyond. VIPER represents the first resource mapping mission on another celestial body.

Join us for an exclusive session with Dan Andrews, the visionary project manager of NASA’s groundbreaking VIPER project. In this enthralling 130-word teaser, Andrews will unravel the secrets behind VIPER’s mission to revolutionize lunar exploration.

Discover how VIPER’s state-of-the-art rover, equipped with cutting-edge technology, aims to investigate the presence of water ice on the Moon’s South Pole, unlocking possibilities for future human settlements. Gain insights into the challenges faced during the rover’s development, its planned traverse across the lunar surface, and the sophisticated instruments it houses to analyze the regolith.

Explore the potential impact of VIPER’s findings on space exploration and the scientific community at large. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the Moon and NASA’s pioneering strides toward interplanetary exploration!

A Special Message From our Team

Gauthier Vasseur, Executive Director of The Fisher Center for Business Analytics at Berkeley Haas, is inviting you to join us!

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Ames Research Center

NASA’s Ames Research Center, one of ten NASA field centers, is located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley. Since 1939, Ames has led NASA in conducting world-class research and development in aeronautics, exploration technology and science aligned with the center’s core capabilities.

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