Futures thinking amidst technological acceleration: A foresight practitioner and an AI/ML innovator discuss LLMs

We discuss the use of LLMs from two perspectives: (1) using foresight to make sense of complex and potentially chaotic futures, and (2) harnessing rapidly developing AI/ML technology to speed research while protecting privacy. Sanjay will discuss the challenges of addressing mis- and disinformation embedded in LLMs when developing future scenarios, while Eamonn will share specific challenges Proton is trying to address by developing encrypted LLM-based research tools, and what benefits and pitfalls may be involved in using these tools for evidence-based scientific research. Eamonn will also share his take on competitors' products and what risks and opportunities these pose for researchers.

Sanjay Khanna is a practitioner of strategic foresight, a set of approaches for thinking ahead in the context of radical uncertainty. Inaddition to running SK Futures Inc., a strategic foresight consultancy, he is inaugural Director of the Futures Institute at Wilson College of Leadership and Civic Engagement, McMaster University.  Eamonn Maguire is Director of Engineering for AI and Machine Learning at Proton AG who obtained his doctorate in Computer Science at Oxford University. Proton develops privacy-protecting technologies for users around the world, including Lumo, a privacy first AI assistant.