Unlocking The Future Of ML and System Science

In a major step towards international academic exchange, Distinguished Professor of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering from Binghamton University, New York, Prof. Hiroki Sayama, visited Christ University, Pune Lavasa Campus on 5 th -7 th August 2024. His visit aimed to engage students of CHRIST University and elaborate on the excellent curriculum framework that defines the Systems Sciences programme at Binghamton University. 

DAY 1: Session 1 

 1MSc DS

 

The first session of Day 1 was conducted with the MSc DS students, the session led by Professor Hiroki Sayama, provided students with an in- depth understanding of Binghamton University and its Systems Science Program. He highlighted the university's strong industry connections and the benefits of studying there, emphasizing the multidisciplinary nature of the program. Professor Sayama elaborated on the wide-ranging applications of systems science, from healthcare to finance and environmental science, demonstrating its relevance in solving complex problems. He also offered practical guidance on the application process through Christ University. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, leaving students excited about the academic and cultural opportunities that studying at Binghamton University offers.

 Session 2:  1BSc DS & EA, BCA

In the second session, Prof. Hiroki Sayama discussed the collaboration between Christ University and Binghamton University, focusing on the dual degree programs and their benefits. He covered the Systems Science program at Binghamton, which integrates engineering, mathematics, and social sciences, offering hands-on experience and research opportunities. The dual degree options include a 2.5-year Bachelor’s followed by 1.5 years at Binghamton, or a 1-year Master’s at each institution. These programs provide international exposure, a comprehensive curriculum, research opportunities, and enhanced career prospects.

DAY 2 : Session 1 3BSc DS, EA 

On August 6, 2024, Dr. Hiroki Sayama delivered a talk to BSc EA and BSc DS students, focusing on the critical role of Systems Science in addressing modern challenges. He contrasted Systems Science with Data Science, noting that while Data Science relies on historical data for predictive modeling, Systems Science delves into understanding system mechanisms, which is crucial in unprecedented situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Sayama highlighted the importance of mechanistic modeling, using examples like traffic modeling at Binghamton University and predicting pandemic peaks using the SIR model.

He also discussed the relevance of Systems Science in the age of generative AI, emphasizing the need for professionals who can analyze and solve problems beyond historical data. Dr. Sayama provided a historical perspective on AI, from Turing's early work to modern AI and LLMs, and pointed out challenges such as data contamination and the need for diverse datasets.

He concluded by exploring opportunities for Christ University students to pursue courses at Binghamton University, inspiring future economists and data scientists to approach complex problems with innovative solutions.

Session 2: 5BSc DS, EA 

On August 6, 2024, Dr. Hiroshi Samaya conducted a detailed webinar on AI and Deep Learning, covering their evolution, applications, and future prospects. He traced AI's origins to early pioneers like Alan Turing and John McCarthy, discussed the development of symbolic AI, and addressed the challenges of AI winters due to technological limits.

The session highlighted AI's current applications in healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles, showcasing its impact on diagnostics, market predictions, and vehicle safety. Dr. Samaya also explored the rise of generative AI, particularly Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and large language models (LLMs), which are transforming content creation and language processing.

In conclusion, the webinar provided a thorough overview of AI’s progress, emphasizing its transformative effects across industries and the need for ongoing research and innovation.

Session 3 : Faculty Interaction 

The discussion explored research opportunities within Binghamton University's System Science department, highlighting various potential projects and areas of interest. It reviewed current research initiatives, significant journals, and upcoming conferences, showcasing the department’s active role in advancing the field. The conversation also examined potential collaborative projects between institutions, focusing on how such joint efforts could enhance research and practical outcomes. Additionally, the expertise of Binghamton University faculty was discussed, emphasizing how collaborating with these experts could benefit both ongoing and future research endeavors.

 DAY 3 : Session  with  4MSc DS ( Christ College) Pune 

The lecture touched on human collective ideation, where AI techniques such as Doc2Vec were employed to embed idea maps. These AI-driven methods are used not only to analyze and visualize idea clouds but also to track and enhance human ideation processes. This aspect of the lecture highlighted the potential of AI to improve collaborative efforts by providing a clearer understanding of how ideas are generated, shared, and developed within groups. The outcomes of the lecture were multifaceted, offering attendees a deeper appreciation for the value of specialized education in AI and related fields, a better understanding of cutting-edge AI applications, and an introduction to innovative research methodologies. Overall, Professor Sayama's lecture served as both an educational experience and a call to action for students and professionals alike to engage with the future of AI and technology in a meaningful and impactful way.