2024 Lecture of a Lifetime

Understanding Human Identity through AI-Inspired Biometric Research: 2024 Lecture of a Lifetime

We joined Dr. Marina L. Gavrilova, PhD’99, for an insightful discussion about the core challenges and ethical considerations brought about by the development of AI-powered transformative technologies.

Gavrilova’s Lecture of a Lifetime went back to the origins of her innovative research in biometric system development and information fusion. Concurrently, it examined the societal changes brought on by the transformative new technologies, learning from real-world examples drawn from public health, behavioural studies, social media and cybersecurity. Gavrilova not only highlighted the immense potential of generative AI for new innovations, but also its risks to data privacy, trust and ethical decision-making. She concluded by outlining emerging challenges society currently faces and inspirational words directed to the next generation of innovators who will tackle those challenges in the future.



This was the 17th annual Lecture of a Lifetime, presented by the Chancellor and Senate at the University of Calgary. Lecture of a Lifetime is a dynamic demonstration of academic talent and achievement, and a unique opportunity for the broader community to get a sample of UCalgary’s world-class student experience.