David Benavides Discusses AI, Data and the PhD Journey on Conectadas Andalucía
Professor David Benavides, member of Diverso Lab and coordinator of the Computer Science PhD programme at the Universidad de Sevilla, was a guest on the podcast Conectadas Andalucía. The conversation covered the role of artificial intelligence in doctoral training in computer science.
From undergraduate studies to research
Benavides opened by reviewing his career before he became coordinator of the PhD programme. He then explained the differences between bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral studies. He stressed that the doctorate is the stage that gives students the skills they need to carry out research.
A generation of pioneers in uncertain times
On current research lines, Benavides said today’s doctoral candidates are, in a sense, pioneers. Nobody yet knows where artificial intelligence will take the field, and the effects of COVID-19, which hit this generation hard, add to that uncertainty. In this setting he underlined the value of a supervisor who guides and orients the candidate throughout the thesis.
La Informática en la Encrucijada: conversations to understand the present
The conversation also turned to La Informática en la Encrucijada, a new podcast inspired by the one students created during the Innosoft days. It explains complex topics in a simple, accessible way for any audience, under the motto “conversations to understand the present”. Of all the episodes released so far, Benavides picked out the importance of data as the most interesting topic, calling it “the gold of the 21st century”.
The social side of technology
Benavides argued that every technology, whether AI, data or the Internet of Things, has social implications that reach areas such as health, education and emotional wellbeing. He warned about the cognitive delegation that AI can encourage and about the sovereignty challenges it raises. He also called for its ethical and responsible use. Echoing Mario Benedetti, he encouraged researchers and doctoral candidates to make the most of the platform life gives them to make their voices heard.
A humanist vision for the future
To close, Benavides was asked for a musical gift and chose Silvio Rodríguez, whose songs speak of freedom, happiness and love. He explained his choice by saying that technology should make us happier and make our lives easier. Looking at the future of the sector, he called for a humanist vision in which we master machines rather than letting them master us, and in which technology brings us closer to one another.
The full episode is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoeHqQSU3OI