TLDR: The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has initiated a free public lecture series focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. Kicking off on September 15, 2025, the series aims to connect students, professionals, and the community with leading experts, exploring topics from AI governance and ethics to real-world applications in various sectors. This initiative complements the university’s new graduate certificate and professional master’s program in AI and data science.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has proudly launched a comprehensive, free public lecture series dedicated to the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. The series, which commenced on September 15, 2025, is designed to offer valuable insights from industry and government leaders, fostering a deeper understanding of emerging issues and applications in these critical technological domains.
The inaugural lecture featured Eliane Ubalijoro, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry. Speaking from Nairobi, Kenya, Ubalijoro addressed crucial topics surrounding AI governance policies and ethical considerations for managing land, biodiversity, and fire. Loreto Coloma, a student in UH’s graduate certificate in applied computing and associate director of admissions in the William S. Richardson School of Law, lauded Ubalijoro’s presentation, stating, “Dr. Ubalijoro’s presentation provided exciting insights on the application of AI as tools in agriculture and agroforestry happening today. When these tools draw upon traditional and indigenous knowledge, it guides our decision-making in ways that better align with the values of the people they affect while supporting longer-term goals. And we are also reminded that ethical data practices and community trust are paramount in being able to effectively receive and use this expert knowledge.”
Hosted at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center, the series is a collaborative effort between the Department of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) and the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE). It is structured as a four-part series, providing diverse perspectives on AI and data science.
Guylaine Poisson, Chair and Professor of the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, emphasized the series’ importance, remarking, “This series opens the door for our students and community to learn directly from leaders shaping the future of AI and data science.” Sandra Fujiyama, Executive Director of PACE, added, “By bringing these talks into the public sphere, we’re strengthening the bridge between UH Mānoa, industry sectors and Hawaiʻi’s innovation community.”
The lecture series is open to all—students, professionals, and community members—and serves as a vital extension of UH Mānoa’s new graduate certificate and professional master’s program in AI and data science. It is also integrated with ICS 601, the Applied Computing Industry Seminar, which aims to connect students with practical, real-world applications of AI.
Upcoming lectures in the Fall 2025 schedule include:
September 22, 12–1:15 p.m.: Rebecca Cai, Chief Data Officer for the State of Hawaiʻi, will discuss government data and AI use cases.
October 13, 12–1:15 p.m.: Shovit Bhari from IBM will share industry lessons on machine learning.
Also Read:
- Chulalongkorn University Forges Ahead with AI Integration in Education and Research
- MIT Sloan Executive Education Unveils New Course: ‘AI Essentials for Impactful Organizational Adoption’
November 10, 12–1:15 p.m.: Peter Dooher, Senior Vice President at Digital Service Pacific Inc., will cover the design of end-to-end AI systems.
