A free public lecture about artificial intelligence in film and media will mark the return of the University of Reading's long-running public lecture series.

The flagship series, which began more than 50 years ago, will be delivered to a live audience, streamed online, and be available as a recording afterwards.

The lecture will be presented by Dr Dominic Lees, from the university's film, theatre and television department.

The first lecture in the series will trace the development of 'generative AI' and discuss its potential cultural and social impacts.

Free in-person tickets are now fully booked, but people can still register to livestream the talk and ask questions live.

The lecture takes place from 7.30pm on Wednesday, October 30.

The University of Reading’s public lecture series gives members of the public access to experts at the cutting-edge of research.

Guests can get free-in person tickets for the next public lecture on Wednesday, November 20, presented by Dr Holly Andrews of Henley Business school, which will also be livestreamed.

Vice-chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort said: "Universities are the natural habitat for debate and discussion.

"Our public lectures are spaces where challenging ideas can be explored thoughtfully and rigorously, both with audiences face to face in Reading and those online around the world.

"The topics we talk about are often controversial or difficult, which is why they matter.

"Our lecturers bring expert perspectives to conversations about issues such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and social inequality, helping people to navigate complex issues with greater clarity."

Upcoming public lectures include:

- 'Annual Cottingham Lecture: Meaning and the Good Life' by Professor Roger Crisp (University of Oxford) on October 24, 2024.

Available to view in-person.

- 'Deepfakes and AI in film and media: Seeing is not believing' by Dr Dominic Lees (Film, Theatre & Television) on October 30, 2024.

Available to live-stream.

- 'Civilian experience of World War 1 in the Mediterranean' by Dr Heather Jones (UCL) on November 14, 2024.

Available to view in-person.

- 'All toxic individuals are not created equal' by Dr Holly Andrews (Henley Business School) on November 20, 2024.

Available to view in-person or live-stream.

For more information about how to attend and view the university's public lecture can be found online.