Researchers are using generative AI to draft papers, analyze data, and generate hypotheses, organizers said. The Generative AI in Science Symposium will examine how this use is changing scientific discovery. Organizers said discussions will also cover policy, funding, and implications for public trust.
The event is titled “Assessing and Imagining the Impact of Generative AI on Science,” organizers said. It will run March 3–5 in Gates Hall and the Computing and Information Science Building. Organizers said three sessions are open to the community across the sciences and humanities.
What Organizers Have Confirmed About The Meeting
Organizers announced that the symposium will include experts from Cornell, academia, and industry. They mentioned that both supporters and critics of generative AI tools will participate. The aim is to better understand the benefits, distractions, and risks associated with these tools.
Yian Yin highlighted the “tremendous potential” of generative AI to uncover new insights. He emphasized the need for a systematic evaluation rather than relying on anecdotal evidence from isolated cases. Yin is co-leading the symposium with AJ Alvero, according to organizers.
Alvero noted that generative AI is now integrated into the workflows of many scholars. He believes the broader research community would gain from “taking stock” of its impacts. The organizers hope the meeting will clarify practical applications of the technology.
Governance Panel Sets the Early Agenda
The first public panel, titled “Tracking, Understanding and Governing AI,” is scheduled for March 3, 9–11 a.m., in Computing and Information Science Building 142, organizers said. It will examine current research uses and responsible governance approaches.
Organizers said Thorsten Joachims will deliver opening remarks, and David Mimno will moderate the panel discussion. The conversation will connect tool builders, users, and policy perspectives.
Panelists include Maria Antoniak, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, organizers said. They also listed Chaoqun Ni of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Paul Ginsparg and Bogdan Vasilescu among panel speakers.
Equity And Collaboration Questions Take Center Stage
The second public panel, titled “Equity, Access and Collaboration,” is scheduled for March 4, 3–5 p.m., in Gates Hall G01, organizers said. It will address access disparities in tools and computing resources.
The session will examine how benefits and risks may be unevenly distributed. It will also look at how generative AI reshapes collaboration and human-AI teamwork. It is framed as both technical and social in real research settings.
Dr. Gary Koretzky ’78 will provide opening remarks, and Ranjit Singh of Data & Society will moderate the discussion. The panel will feature experts spanning computing, business, and the sciences.
Panelists include Savannah Thais of Hunter College, Toby Stuart of the University of California, Berkeley, Kati Kish Bar-On, and Eun-Ah Kim, organizers said.
Policy, Funding, And Public Trust On The Final Day
The final public panel is titled “Innovation, Policy and Broad Impact,” organizers said.
It is scheduled for March 5, 9 to 11 a.m., in Computing and Information Science Building 142.
Organizers said it will link AI-driven research changes to funding and public trust.
The session will examine pressures on funding and resource allocation, as well as science communication and the maintenance of credibility. Organizers noted the significance of these issues, particularly as evolving tools change how knowledge is produced.
Kavita Bala is scheduled to deliver the opening remarks on March 5, according to the organizers. The final panel will be moderated by Yian Yin, and the confirmed panelists are danah boyd, Morgan Frank, Sukwoong Choi, and Peter Loewen.
Multiple Cornell units are co-sponsoring the symposium, according to the organizers. The sponsors include the Cornell AI Initiative, Cornell Bowers, Research and Innovation, the College of Arts and Sciences, and a data science center.