From Intelligence to Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Future of Humanity
Speaker
Dr. Amin Beheshti
Professor of Data Science at Macquarie University
Title
"From Intelligence to Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Future of Humanity "
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept confined to science fiction – it is transforming the world around us, from healthcare and education to entertainment and everyday decision-making. But how did we get here, and where are we headed? In this talk, Professor Amin Beheshti explores the journey from natural human intelligence to the rise of AI, unpacking how machines learn, think, and interact with us. He will take us through the opportunities and challenges AI presents for humanity's future, from its societal impacts and ethical dilemmas to its potential for innovation. He will also reflect on how well we understand and shape AI today, could lead to a brighter, more equitable world for future generations.
About Speaker
Prof. Dr. Amin Beheshti is a Full Professor of Data Science at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. Amin is the founder and director of the Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence, the head of the Data Science Lab, and the founder of the Big Data Society at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. Amin completed his PhD and Postdoc in Computer Science and Engineering at UNSW Sydney, and holds a Master's and Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, both with First Class Honours. Before starting his PhD in 2009, Amin had over a decade of industry experience as a founder and CEO, consultant, and Solution Architect in national and international organizations. Alongside his teaching activities, Amin has made significant contributions to research projects and successfully secured 60+ research projects (Over $45 million in Research Funding).
Amin received Prestigious Awards, including the Australian National AI Award (AI Academic/Researcher of the Year), Excellence Award (Macquarie University, 2023), Excellence in Research Innovation, Partnership Entrepreneurship (Macquarie University, 2022), National Security Impact Award (D2D CRC, 2016 and 2017), Recognition Award (D2D CRC, 2016 and 2017), Australian Postgraduate Award (APA 2009-2012), and several Best Paper awards.
In 2021, due to his outstanding performance, Amin was promoted from Senior Lecturer to Full Professor at Macquarie University. As a distinguished researcher in Data and AI Science, Amin has been invited to serve as a Keynote Speaker, General-Chair, PC-Chair, Organisation-Chair, and program committee member of top international conferences. He is also a leading author of several authored books in data, social, and process analytics, co-authored with other high-profile researchers.
Amin has been invited to serve as a Distinguished Jury member for prestigious awards, including the "Aegis Graham Bell Award, recognizing his leadership in AI and significant contributions and involvement in commercialization efforts. Amin has been honored with the prestigious "AI Academic/Researcher of the Year" award at the inaugural Australian AI Awards 2024. In the same year, he was also named a finalist in two additional categories: AI Leader of the Year – Enterprise and AI Rising Star of the Year – Enterprise. In 2025, Amin was again recognised as a finalist for AI Leader of the Year – Enterprise. The Centre for Applied AI, which Professor Beheshti founded and leads, has also been recognised on the Australian Financial Review's List of Most Innovative Companies for 2025 in the Government, Education and Not-For-Profit category.
Amin's long-standing Vision has been to shift the focus of AI from being a tool with endless theoretical potential to one that is actively and intentionally applied to solve meaningful, real-world problems.
Website: https://data-science-group.github.io/people/aminbeheshti/