The guest speaker at the Interdisciplinary Scientific Seminar was Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz from QUT Business School in Australia, who talked about how AI systems and other advanced algorithms are transforming the world of engineering and technology.

The lecture entitled ‘Engineering the Future: How AI is Transforming Our Reality’, was held on 15 May in in the Congress Centre of the Wrocław Tech (building D-20,  Janiszewskiego 8 St.).

The event was co-organised by the Academia Europaea Wrocław Knowledge Hub.

In this lecture, Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz was present a practical perspective on how AI systems and other advanced algorithms are transforming the world of engineering, technology, and our economy. Drawing from his experience in Silicon Valley, Microsoft Research Asia, and leading SAP's machine learning lab, the professor was demonstrate how theoretical concepts are translated into real-world AI applications.

The lecture was combine an analysis of current technological trends with practical examples of AI use in engineering, business, and everyday life. Special attention was be given to the concept of "digital minions" - AI systems that evolve beyond their initial programming, offering increasingly advanced solutions. The professor was also introduce the fascinating phenomenon of the "butterfly effect," illustrating how seemingly small AI implementations can lead to fundamental changes in the functioning of entire systems and organizations.

Participants was learn how to distinguish real AI capabilities from marketing promises, explore practical applications of current AI technologies, and understand the future directions in this field. The lecture was conclude with a discussion on the role of engineers and scientists in shaping responsible AI development and creating technologies that enhance human potential rather than replace it.

Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz is a Professor and Chair in Digital Economy at QUT Business School in Australia. Recognized by Thinkers360 as one of the Top 100 Global Thought Leaders in Artificial Intelligence, he combines years of experience leading global innovation teams with academic excellence.

His international career includes serving as a Research Fellow at Microsoft Research Asia, founding and managing SAP’s machine learning lab in Singapore, and leading global innovation teams in Silicon Valley as Senior Director at SAP. He is the author of the international bestseller "The Economy of Algorithms: AI and the Rise of the Digital Minions," which won the 2024 Australian Business Book Award in the Technology category. His expertise in AI and digital transformation is regularly featured in Harvard Business Review and Forbes.