The Rise of AI – a short introduction

The Rise of AI – a short introduction [email protected] Thu, 06/11/2026 - 12:55 Speaker: Mark Wilson-Thomas Have you ever wondered what Artificial Intelligence (AI) really is and how it is applied? Come along to this short talk, where Mark Wilson-Thomas will give a beginner’s level introduction to AI and Machine Learning, and help you understand what these technologies do well and not so well. The talk will cover some of the threats and opportunities inherent in the AI revolution, and finish by surveying some things communities can do to prepare for the changes that are likely to come in our societies as a result. About the Speaker Mark Wilson-Thomas is a retired Microsoft Corporation program manager. Having worked for the company for 21 years, his last project before retiring was to introduce AI productivity tools for software developers (GitHub Copilot for Visual Studio). He now serves on Hampshire County Council and Tadley Town Council and spends time volunteering with local elderly people at the Age Concern Lunch Club. He’s an active member of Tadley Community Church. Part of the IOP London and South East (LSE) region Spring / Summer 2026 General Public Physics Talk Series. The lecture is free and open to all but registration is required. Please register via the ' Book Now ' button. About the Venue The venue can be found on the A340 Basingstoke to Newbury Road, just before the Heath End Roundabout at Tadley. The correct gate is signposted West Gate or AWE Staff + Deliveries. what3words: amending.visitors.simulations Wed, 07/29/2026 - 19:00 Wed, 07/29/2026 - 20:30 The Function Room, Aldermaston Recreational Society, AWE, Aldermaston, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PR. IOP London and South East Branch, Berkshire Centre [email protected] Families General public IOP members Retired physicists (REMNet) STEM professionals Teachers and school technicians Business and innovation Culture, history and society Mathematics and computation In-person London and South East