New Newhouse Summit Focuses on Bridging Academia with Industry by Examining Future of AI

The Newhouse School is launching a new conference dedicated to discussing and exchanging ideas about trends and developments in media and communications.

The inaugural Newhouse Summit, which will take place July 27-28 at the school, will feature more than a dozen presentations and discussions about topics related to artificial intelligence. Professors, scholars and industry professionals from the United States and Canada will join Newhouse faculty and researchers at this week’s gathering, titled “Provoking and Prognosticating on Generative AI Futures.”

The event will provide a platform to discuss the emerging field of generative AI and implications both in the classroom and the profession, and explore the connections between academia, industry and the practical applications of AI.

“Newhouse is committed to leading the conversation and research into the intersection of AI and communications,” Dean Mark J. Lodato said. “It’s equally important that we encourage our students to use artificial intelligence responsibly as we help prepare them to adapt to such emerging technologies in the workplace.”

The idea for the summit stems from a recommendation by faculty during a listening session in spring 2023 led by Regina Luttrell, associate dean of research and creative activity. The goal was to understand and explore ways in which Newhouse can harness AI technologies to enhance teaching, research, creative activities and the overall learning experience for students.

“We hope that the Newhouse Summit fosters learning and community collaborations that will live long past the event,” Luttrell said.