Second annual Falling into AI Summit will bring experts from Google, Amazon to KU
Editor’s note: Media interested in attending need to contact Erinn Barcomb-Peterson at ebp@ku.edu.
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas is hosting the second annual Falling into AI Summit from Sept. 22-24, bringing together leaders from KU, KU Medical Center, Google, Amazon Web Services, Apple and artificial intelligence industry partners to explore how AI is transforming education, healthcare, research, workforce development and society.
Presented as a collaboration between the Lawrence and KU Medical Center campuses, the three-day summit reflects KU’s commitment to advancing innovation across disciplines while fostering thoughtful discussions about the opportunities and responsibilities associated with emerging technologies.
Building on the success of the inaugural event, this year’s summit expands into a universitywide collaboration that connects both campuses’ strengths through keynote presentations, research showcases, hands-on learning experiences, industry partnerships and opportunities for community engagement.
“Falling into AI is about bringing people together across disciplines, campuses, industries and communities to explore one of the most significant technological shifts of our time,” said Lisa Dieker, director of KU’s FLITE Center. “As One KU, we have an opportunity to learn from one another, celebrate innovation and ask thoughtful questions about how AI can strengthen teaching, research, healthcare and the communities we serve. We want this summit to spark curiosity, collaboration and responsible innovation.”
Industry leaders, community members, researchers, faculty, staff and students are invited to register online for the free event.
On Sep. 22, the summit opens on the Lawrence campus with keynote presentations from Zac Chase of Google and Mary Strain of Amazon Web Services, followed by a panel discussion and 11 concurrent breakout sessions featuring university researchers, educators, students, community and industry partners. The day concludes with open lab tours and demonstrations hosted by KU centers and student organizations, including FLITE, CIDDL, I2S, the Center for Teaching Excellence and additional innovation partners across the Lawrence campus.
On Sept. 23, the summit moves to the KU Medical Center in Kansas City, where attendees will engage with faculty innovation talks, student research presentations, interactive laboratory experiences and discussions with community and healthcare partners. This day highlights the growing role of AI in advancing patient care, medical education, clinical practice and biomedical research.
The summit culminates Sept. 24, with One KU Day in Lawrence, bringing together participants from both campuses for a shared celebration of innovation and discovery. The program includes lightning talks, joint faculty and student research showcases, and a vendor and community exhibition featuring leading technology organizations and regional partners. The event concludes at 3 p.m.
“Artificial intelligence is changing not only the technology we use but how we approach some of the most important opportunities and challenges facing higher education,” said Ed Hudson, KU’s vice chancellor for information technology and chief information officer. “Falling Into AI gives us an opportunity as One KU to bring together our people, ideas and expertise to explore what’s possible while also being thoughtful about how we use these technologies responsibly. That combination of innovation, collaboration and leadership is exactly where KU should be.”
For more information and registration details, visit the Falling Into AI Summit webpage.