Lumen

In the Spring/Summer issue of Lumen we explore the challenging topic of artificial intelligence; we celebrate astronaut Andy Thomas; explore the possibility of robot dogs as pets, and ask you to share your stories - prizes to be won.

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Features

Susan Hazel plays with Kadli, AIML’s robot dog

Are robot dogs fetching?

Is there a place for robot pets? We’ve fallen in love with them in the past… are they the future?

The rise of the machines - cinema and AI

The Lumen cinema review: Has Hollywood been warning us for years about AI and the rise of the robots?

Misinformation. Lies. And artificial intelligence

As a society we can use AI and other technologies to help solve broader societal problems – but only once we have a firm understanding of how it works, its limitations and how we respond to it.

AI: The Lumen interview

In this special interview, Simon Lucey, Director of the Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML), and a Professor in the University of Adelaide’s School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, clarifies concerns and explains the opportunities for Australia to shape the future by embracing AI.

I definitely won’t kill you (probably)

Setting himself a target of writing 10,000 songs in 10,000 days, alum Andrew Gardner hoped to challenge himself and hone his already significant musical skills. Here he shares a song written with AI, sung by AI, about AI.

The Australian Institute of Machine Learning (AIML), Lot Fourteen, North Terrace. Photo by Josh Geelen

AI and the University

The University's response to recent innovations in generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been to ensure that staff and students learn to use AI productively, ethically, and responsibly.

Andy Thomas: Celebrating a local hero

When Andy Thomas first graduated from the University of Adelaide 50 years ago, travelling into space as an astronaut was an impossible dream. Australians didn’t do that – space was for people from other countries.

Take a trip into space

As part of the celebration of 50 years since Andy Thomas first graduated from our University, we are pleased to present our readers with this unique “space simulation”.

A passion for change

Alexandra Bruhn, known to everyone as Alex, this year won the Commendation Award for South Australia’sYoung Citizen of the Year.

Children's University turns 10

It can be difficult for some young people to envision a future at university, particularly if no one in their family has ever attended one. This is where Children’s University steps in, to educate young people about future possibilities. In 2023 the initiative is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

World news

We invited some of our family of “foreign correspondents” to give a brief insight into their lives and careers. Their stories in this new feature of Lumen.

News in brief

The people and research of the University of Adelaide receive wide media attention locally, nationally and internationally, on a broad range of topics.

Letters to the editor

Fond memories of Uni life are shared in these heart-warming responses to our recent contest.

Lumen Readers’ Prize

Lumen readers have the chance to win one of 10 prizes worth $150 each to help celebrate our 150^th birthday.

Look at moi! It's Cardy, but not as we knew it

The Lumen wine review: were Kath and Kim right all along? Is Cardy cool again?

marcia-langton-and-aaron-corn-launch-the-book-on-campus.

Law: The Way of the Ancestors

A review of Marcia Langton and Aaron Corn’s book on Indigenous Law, launched at the University of Adelaide in May.

Tsering Hannaford A joint portrait of Ian and Pamela Wall by Tsering Hannaford

Making the most of every opportunity

For Pamela Wall – known by most as Pammie – and her late husband Ian, opportunity and generosity are the common threads woven throughout their lives.

Preview: Celebrating our 150th

In 2024 the University of Adelaide will be rolling out a diverse series of events, parties, celebrations, special discussions and commemorative merchandise to celebrate our 150th anniversary.

Codan founders' scholarship legacy

In 1959 three exceptional University of Adelaide students embarked on a humble business venture. Their huge success, and generosity, now helps others.

Giving Day: Waite clubrooms redevelopment

Plans are in place for the Waite clubrooms to undergo major redevelopment in 2025 as part of the proposed masterplan for Waite Oval.

The late Peter Couche with his brother Stephen

Giving Day: Lifelines for stroke research

Every 10 minutes someone in Australia suffers a stroke, making it the leading cause of disability in our country. In 1992, at just 42 years old, healthy stockbroker and father of three Peter Couche became one of the 250,000 Australians who were then living with the aftermath of a stroke.

Giving Day: Citizen Science supports important research

Citizen science has boomed in Australia in the past few years, with volunteers now contributing valuable data to more than 640 projects nationwide. In addition to representing billions of dollars annually in volunteered time, citizen scientists contribute to and enable breakthrough research.

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