An AI Hackathon supported by The British Council and the British Embassy in Dublin recently saw students from law, fine art and science backgrounds cracking the code on how AI can be utilised for the common good, including helping mitigate climate change. This event was also supported in collaboration with the Human-Centred AI Research Group (HAI) at Munster Technological University (MTU) and the ADAPT Centre, including MTU academic, Dr Haithem Afli.
The AI for the Common Good Hackathon took place across the 1st and 2nd of November in Munster Technological University, Cork, with over thirty students taking part in the programme. The event focussed on supporting the skills development of young leaders and creating enabling environments for maximising social impact. The event included coding days, workshops, and mentorship sessions aimed at enhancing the students skills and knowledge in this field. This event represented an exceptional opportunity for students across multiple fields to not only enhance their AI skills but also make a significant impact on society through innovative solutions. It also provided a significant platform to connect with peers and learn from those established in the field.
The winners of the hackathon were three students from MTU and UL (University of Limerick) with team lead Soumaya Sabri, a PhD student from MTU. The winning team were awarded a study trip to Bristol, one of the leading sustainable cities in the UK. As a result of this win, the team will have the opportunity to visit relevant institutions and projects to draw inspiration and expand their knowledge. As well as this, the team will have the chance to exchange ideas and network with the winning teams of other participating countries.
