12 December 2024 – On December 10th, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER) of the University of Zagreb and the Institute for the Promotion of Science hosted an enlightening event, “Nobel in Zagreb,” spotlighting the profound impacts of deep learning and artificial intelligence on this year’s Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry. The prestigious gathering drew a keen audience eager to delve into the latest scientific advancements that shaped these awards.
Among the esteemed speakers was Dr. Anja Barešić, the project coordinator for AI4Health.Cro, who delivered an insightful presentation on the revolutionary AlphaFold technology, key to this year’s Nobel laureates in Chemistry. Dr. Barešić explained how AlphaFold’s dominance in predicting the folding of proteins into three-dimensional structures during the 2018 and 2020 competitions ultimately led to its Nobel recognition. The event highlighted not only the current applications but also the potential future impact of these technologies in drug development and medicine.
The lectures provided by Dr. Barešić and her colleagues, Prof. Siniša Šegvić and Prof. Davor Horvatic, shed light on the role of artificial intelligence in driving significant scientific breakthroughs noted in this year’s Nobel awards. The audience at FER’s D2 hall was treated to a comprehensive overview of how AI influenced both the Physics and Chemistry awards, with a special emphasis on the misconceptions surrounding deep learning models. Prof. Šegvić tackled common myths, such as the fear of AI dominance akin to sci-fi scenarios, reassuring the audience about the interpretability of deep models and dismissing the sensationalism often associated with AI discussions.
The event also celebrated the contributions of AI in broader scientific and technological contexts, showcasing the innovative spirit of the Croatian scientific community. Dr. Barešić’s talk not only highlighted the technical aspects of AlphaFold’s design but also addressed the controversies surrounding its development, such as the lack of transparency typical of non-academic research and the novelty of the research which speaks to the potential rather than proven long-term efficacy of such methods.
“Nobel in Zagreb” provided a platform for the scientific community to recognize and discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on modern science, encapsulating a night of celebration and forward-looking dialogue. As reported by Zoran Vitas of Večernji List, the event was a significant mark on Croatia’s scientific calendar, further positioning the country as a burgeoning hub for AI and deep learning innovations.
AI4Health.Cro, through Dr. Barešić’s participation, continues to contribute to the global conversation on AI’s expanding role in scientific research and practical applications, underscoring the ongoing relevance and necessity of innovation in the field of healthcare and beyond.