INESC TEC drives AI education with INVICTA School 2024

INVICTA Spring School (INvicta School of VIsion, Computational Intelligence, and PatTern Analysis) was the stage for an immersive journey to the domains of Artificial Intelligence (AI) between March 18 and 22. Organised by INESC TEC, the event took place at the Porto Innovation Hub, with sold out capacity.

The tenth edition of INESC TEC VISUM (VISion Understanding and Machine Intelligence Summer School) marked an era of transformation for the organisation, which joined the new INVICTA. While VISUM has played an vital role in the group’s journey, INVICTA promises a more comprehensive and immersive educational experience. 

At the heart of this school’s mission is “the establishment of an inclusive community where people can learn and grow from each other, on a prominent topic that should significantly impact society”, explained Tiago Filipe Gonçalves, INESC TEC researcher and member of the INVICTA Organising Committee.  

Renowned members from academia and industry came together to lead participants through a series of interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and stimulating debates. The sessions focused on several AI aspects, covering causal inference, lifelong learning, explainable AI, and ethical considerations. A roundtable explored the broader societal implications of AI, addressing topics like mitigation of biases, privacy, and regulatory frameworks. 

Ana Filipa Sequeira, leader of the Organising Committee, highlighted the diverse participation “of a critical mass of individuals from academia and industry eager to learn and share best practices”. The event received generous support from leading companies like Bosch, Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS and NILG.AI. 

In addition to the educational component, INVICTA included social activities aimed at promoting networking and cultural exchange. The event ended with a semi-formal dinner, which provided attendees with an opportunity to unwind and establish lasting relationships. 

Looking ahead, INVICTA School is poised to continue its legacy of excellence in AI teaching. With plans for future editions, the promoters plan to build on the success of the inaugural event, guided by feedback and community insights.