Yellowstone Times

Exploring the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in large-scale research will be the focus of an upcoming conference co-hosted by Montana State University. Scheduled for March 27-28 in Bozeman, "The Future of Research in the Age of AI" is the first of three symposia organized by the American Historical Association this year.

William Thomas, dean of MSU’s College of Letters and Science and vice president of AHA’s research division, highlighted that the event will feature eminent scholars showcasing their work. It aims to provide participants with insights into conducting research using new technologies and techniques.

Thomas emphasized the importance of large-scale research: “Large-scale research is on a scale that no single scholar on their own can accomplish.” He noted its growing prevalence due to massive historical data like emails, legal records, and social media posts. “We’re not organized yet as scholars to work with this scale of material, and we need to be,” he added.

John Paxton, director of MSU’s Gianforte School of Computing, stressed the necessity for humanities scholars to understand artificial intelligence and utilize high-performance computers for effective research. At MSU, support for such needs is provided by the Research Cyberinfrastructure Core Facility.

The conference will feature presentations from leading historians including Thavolia Glymph from Duke University, Lauren Tilton from the University of Richmond, Matthew Connelly from Columbia University, Katrina Jagodinsky from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Walter Hawthorne and Dean Rehberg from Michigan State University, and Loren Moulds from the University of Virginia Law Library.

MSU faculty participating as panelists or moderators include Clemente Izurieta, Ann Marie Reinhold, John Sheppard from the Gianforte School of Computing; Cat Dale from the School of Film and Photography; Michelle Miley from the Writing Center; Cascade Tuholske from Earth Sciences; Kristen Intemann from Science, Technology, Ethics and Society. William Thomas along with Sarah Weicksel will open sessions throughout the conference.

The symposium is co-sponsored by various MSU entities including Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering and Museum of the Rockies. Further details are available at www.montana.edu/lettersandscience/future-of-research-in-age-of-ai/.