Absolutely Interdisciplinary returns this spring to explore new frontiers in AI research
The Schwartz Reisman Institute’s annual academic conference Absolutely Interdisciplinary will explore interdisciplinary approaches to AI governance, risk, and safety on May 29, 2025, in person at U of T’s Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus. Registration is now open.
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are evolving at an extraordinary pace, holding the potential to transform societies, economies, and systems in profound ways. Yet, as the possibilities expand, so do the challenges—and many of these cannot be solved by technical innovation alone. The fifth annual Absolutely Interdisciplinary conference will unite researchers, students, and professionals across disciplines to explore ideas, spark new insights, and shape research agendas.
Hosted by the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society (SRI), this annual academic conference brings together researchers, students, and professionals from various disciplines to explore ideas, spark new insights, and shape research agendas. Now in its fifth year, the conference fosters collaboration and generates ideas that transcend traditional silos, paving innovative pathways forward for AI safety research and practice.
This year, Absolutely Interdisciplinary will be held in person on May 29, 2025, at the University of Toronto’s Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus. For the second consecutive year, this vibrant venue—designed to spark interdisciplinary collaboration at the forefront of technological innovation—will provide the perfect setting for groundbreaking conversations on how to build safe and responsible AI systems. Registration is now open.
“Building safe AI is not simply a technical challenge—it is deeply interconnected with societal systems, ethical considerations, and governance frameworks,” says SRI Director David Lie, a professor in U of T’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Canada Research Chair in Secure and Reliable Systems. “We are excited to bring together a global community of scholars and practitioners to confront these complex issues at this year's conference.”
What to expect
This year’s conference will explore pressing topics such as governance strategies for building safe AI systems, the social and legal implications of AI agents, and the broader impacts of long-term AI development.
Participants will engage in keynote addresses and panel discussions to uncover actionable insights and innovative approaches to these challenges. Sessions will emphasize the importance of embedding AI research within broader societal understandings and policy frameworks to tackle both immediate and long-term risks.
Speakers from leading institutions and organizations worldwide will bring their expertise to the conference. A full schedule of sessions and presenters will be released in March 2025. To stay up to date on the latest developments, join SRI’s mailing list to receive our monthly newsletter with updates on our events and activities.
Previous editions of Absolutely Interdisciplinary have featured thought-provoking cross-disciplinary sessions, including:
“Designing human–machine coexistence,” featuring Anna Su, I. Glenn Cohen, and Huili Chen.
“AI and creativity,” featuring Avery Slater, Polly Denny, and N. Katherine Hayles.
“Natural and artificial social learning,” featuring Sheila McIlraith, Natasha Jaques, and Jennifer Nagel.
Absolutely Interdisciplinary 2025 is set to be another landmark event hosted by the Schwartz Reisman Institute. For any questions, accessibility concerns, or media inquiries, please contact the SRI Events team.
Join us at Absolutely Interdisciplinary 2025 and be part of the conversation towards shaping a safer, more inclusive future. Visit the conference website to learn more and secure your spot today.
