I would like to take a brief moment to reflect on what drives me as an academic.
Academia’s root are in creating knowledge and sharing it. We, academics, have a role to play in shaping society. In computer science, we sometimes focus on the creation of technology. Here, creation of open technology is central to knowledge consolidation in computer science, because open technology can be studied, because open technology can be shared. But academia’s role in society is more than technology, even open.
Academia’s position in consolidating knowledge implies that it is trusted with responsibilities in shaping the narrative, for instance that of technology. An important narrative today is that of artificial intelligence, a new industrial revolution, they say. Our role here is to do a sober assessment, inventing the future of technology, but without false promises and blind spots. This work, as all broad scientific work, requires working across disciplines.
Note
The above text is extracted from my acceptance speech when receiving UC Louvain’s Doctor Honoris Causa.
As stated in my full speech, I am incredibly greatful for this honor. I deeply thank all those that have been part of my scientific and technical adventures. They were all built through team works, with many amazing people, from all horizons, young and older, famous or invisible. Working together is what moves mountains.