June 2023
Abstract: The social structure and behaviour of organisms is highly divergent. How can this stunning diversity in nature be explained? I will argue that a few key principles are responsible for the evolution of social behaviour, with all its simple and complex manifestations. Organisms compete for resources. As survival and reproduction require resources and only fiction…
Consensus algorithms are routinely employed in a variety of multi-agent scenarios. They require that each agent iteratively evaluates a multivariate function of its neighbours’ information states. If a wireless communication channel is used, this is typically implemented through protocols (such as TDMA – Time Division Multiple Access) that avoid superposition of transmitted signals by assigning each transmitter its own (time)…
Using swarm optimization algorithms as heuristic solutions in various engineering problems, including the state estimation of nonlinear systems, has been an inspiration to me for my SCIoI project. We started our project by studying the "Wisdom of Crowds" effect, i.e. the notion that the average of many imperfect estimations, under the right conditions, can potentially yield a perfect…
Abstract: Collective dynamics play a crucial role in everyday decision-making. Whether social influence promotes the spread of accurate information and ultimately results in collective intelligence or leads to false information cascades and maladaptive social contagion depends on the cognitive mechanisms underlying social interactions. This talk will take place in person at SCIoI. ***Want to attend…
Abstract: In our project, we explore the idea that complex, intelligent behavior can be generated by selecting from simple strategies in a smart way. In the first part, we will talk about how we tested this idea of strategy selection in the context of human decision making under risk, and we will discuss the potential and…
Abstract: The opacity of datasets poses a significant challenge to creating inclusive and intelligible machine learning (ML) systems. Various AI ethics initiatives have addressed this issue by proposing standardized dataset documentation frameworks based on the value of transparency. In this talk, I propose a shift of perspective: from documenting for transparency to documenting for reflexivity. Based…
May 2023
Abstract: Estimating motion from image sensors is a fundamental problem in computer vision and robotics. Event cameras are novel bio-inspired sensors that provide a signal suitable for estimating motion because their pixels naturally respond to intensity changes, which are tightly related to motions in the scene. However, event data is fundamentally different from conventional frame data,…
Workshop title: Breathing in, Breathing out Theme: Practices of Air Where: YOGA at Lobe Block We are breathing beings. Every breath reconnects us to ourselves, to our fellow beings, and to our environment. The act of breathing usually does not require any thought. Yet, our emotions and memories have a strong impact on our respiratory…
Workshop title: Von Kontrolle zu Kooperation Theme: Air as Technology Where: silent green Kulturquartier Betonindustrie, Verbrennungsmotor, Google-Suchanfrage – Technologie wird heute an ihrer CO₂-Emission gemessen. Unsere technische Kultur hat Karriere gemacht durch einen allzu sorglosen und zerstörerischen Umgang mit Ressourcen. Dabei wird vor allem der Versuch unternommen, Materialien und Umgebungen zu kontrollieren. Und das in…
More details to follow. This talk will take place in person at SCIoI. ***Want to attend one of our events? Sign up here. To get regular updates, subscribe to our mailing list from this page.
Workshop title: Es liegt was in der Luft Theme: Stage and the Environment Where: Hochschule für Schauspielkunst Ernst Busch Im Anthropozän, dem sogenannten ‘Zeitalter des Menschen’, ist die Umwelt zur Bühne geworden. Auf dieser Bühne zeigen sich ökologische Ausnahmezustände und drohende klimatische Kipppunkte. Unsere Rolle ist es, auszuhandeln, wie es weitergehen kann: Der Verlauf der erdgeschichtlichen…
Abstract: Artificial deep neural networks (DNNs) are used in many different ways to address scientific questions about how biological vision works. In spite of the wide usage of DNNs in this context, their scientific value is periodically questioned. I will argue that DNNs are good in three ways for vision science: for prediction, for explanation, and…
April 2023
It's that time of year again! Every April, school girls all over Germany visit scientific institutions to get inspiration for their future careers. SCIoI has participated in this event twice before, and we will be hosting another group of girls this coming 27 April. The event will start with some inspiring talks by our members Maria…
Abstract: Sense of agency (SOA) refers to the experience of controlling one’s own actions and corresponding effects. Social agency refers to SOA in situations where other social agents are involved. This can refer to situations in which we act together or in the presence of other agents or to situations where we control the behaviour of…