1. Human-Centric AI

In panels discussing artificial intelligence (AI), speakers explored how human ingenuity shapes what an algorithm produces and how it’s received. With research suggesting that an individual’s perception of AI influences both their interactions with it and the outputs they receive, experts urged attendees to prioritise human creativity and cognition when developing future AI products.

2. Tomorrow's Health Frontiers

Speakers presented cutting-edge medical research that gives wider public access to personalised health therapies. Gene-editing drugs are helping patients overcome rare disease, while AI-supported drug discovery promises to uncover nimbler cancer treatments. But panels also raised alarm about the direction of US public health in light of shifting vaccine recommendations.

3. The Party Imperative

Speakers explored how new technologies can bolster human connection. More than an excuse to have fun, experts championed apps that lower barriers to in-person hanging out, both platonic and romantic.

4. The State of Free Speech

With several US media companies being accused of limiting free speech and being pressured by politicians for their views, the topic of free speech pervaded conversations at The Atlantic Festival. These felt especially urgent against the background of Disney-owned TV network ABC suspending late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live in response to its current events commentary.

5. New Transportation Paradigms

Although electric and autonomous vehicles are widely positioned as the future of transportation, panels delved into the challenges inherent in convincing US consumers to overhaul their mobility mindsets. From safety to range anxiety, speakers presented solutions that aim to slowly habituate the public to the benefits of future-facing vehicles.