Designing the Symbiosis: Human-Centric AI in an Era of Autonomous Systems
Register https://www.eventbrite.com/e/designing-the-symbiosis-human-centric-ai-in-an-era-of-autonomous-systems-tickets-2004275957342, limited seats available.
Abstract:
As artificial intelligence advances across frontiers like Agentic and Embodied AI, the central challenge shifts from computational capability to meaningful integration into human life. Technology succeeds not merely by executing autonomous tasks, but by augmenting human embodiment, cognition, agency, and dignity.
This talk explores some foundational principles of Human-Centric AI within modern computing ecosystems. I will discuss how scholars in human factors, cognitive psychology, interaction design, and sociotechnical systems design must actively intersect with technical research domains—including resource-efficient machine learning, robust cybersecurity, and emerging quantum architectures. Drawing on case studies from various formats of interactive intelligence, I will share some explorations for practical frameworks that focus on designing resilient, auditable systems that align technical performance with human intent. Ultimately, the talk will point toward outlining a collaborative path forward for researchers and students aiming to build ethical, robust computational systems that enhance rather than diminish or displace the human experience.
Bio:
Dr. Elizabeth F. Churchill is an internationally acclaimed technologist, cognitive scientist, and executive leader who has spent three decades shaping the human experience of computing across academia and the global technology industry. She currently serves as Professor and Founding Area Chair of Human-Computer Interaction at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), where she spearheads pioneering research in human-centered artificial intelligence, embodied robotics, and culturally situated interaction design. Complementing her institutional leadership, Dr. Churchill is a Founding Council Member of the Responsible AI Futures Foundation, a multi-stakeholder alliance uniting MBZUAI, G42, Microsoft, and the Emirates Foundation to architect ethical, robust, and humanity-first AI governance.
An Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Fellow, member of the ACM CHI Academy, and recipient of both the SIGCHI Lifetime Practice and Lifetime Service Awards, Dr. Churchill’s career bridges high-impact academic scholarship and large-scale industrial innovation. Prior to her tenure in Abu Dhabi, she served for a decade as Senior Director of User Experience at Google, directing cross-functional research and design across core platform ecosystems including Material Design, Flutter, and Fuchsia OS. Her distinguished career also spans executive and senior research leadership roles at eBay Research Labs, Yahoo! Research, PARC, and FXPAL, alongside leadership tenures as Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer of ACM. Holding a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from the University of Cambridge and two Honorary Doctorates of Science, Dr. Churchill remains one of the world's foremost voices ensuring that the frontier of autonomous and agentic intelligence remains fundamentally empowering to human potential.
https://elizabethchurchill.com