June 13: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Part 1 - Navigating the Deepfake Landscape

In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, deepfake presents both opportunities and significant challenges for science writers. This interactive workshop, titled “Navigating the Deepfake Landscape,” invites participants to explore how deepfakes can be used for innovative storytelling while also addressing the ethical and factual dilemmas they pose.

During this session, we will talk about the basic mechanics of deepfake technology and its implications for communication in science. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that demonstrate how deepfakes can enhance narratives, create immersive experiences, and foster audience engagement. However, we will also confront the darker side of this technology, discussing its potential to spread misinformation and impact public trust.

Presenter: Azfar Adib

Azfar Adib is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Concordia University, where he also serves as a Public Scholar for the 2023-2024 academic year. He holds an MBA in marketing and a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, complemented by over eight years of professional experience in the telecommunications sector. His career includes significant contributions to launching 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile broadband services, as well as Internet-of-Things (IoT) initiatives in South Asia. Azfar served as an instructor for technical writing and leadership development at Concordia.

As a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Azfar coordinated student activities of IEEE across Canada. He actively engages in promoting responsible technology use through various platforms, including public speaking, workshops, and op-eds.

His current research focuses on developing an anonymous age-verification scheme using machine learning techniques to enhance privacy and security online. This work involves curating innovative datasets and contributing to age-verification standards in Canada.

Azfar's commitment to ethical AI practices is evident through his writings on AI ethics and his leadership roles within IEEE, where he fosters technological awareness among youth. Recognized for his contributions, he has received multiple awards, including grants from MITACS and Concordia University.

Part 2 - AI & Critical Thinking:

Empowering the Next Generation

AI tools, and the products people use them to create, used to be rare. Now everyone has access, including young people. How can we as science writers and educators help young people to understand and leverage AI to develop critical thinking skills? In the session we will explore how we can encourage youth to explore and become familiar with AI tools while also empowering them to avoid manipulation by AI.

Presenter: Kim Taylor

Kim Taylor (she/her) is the Resource Development Coordinator for Let's Talk Science; a national charitable organization committed to preparing youth for evolving career and citizenship demands in a rapidly changing world. She has been a science communicator and informal educator for more than 25 years. She is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and has a HBSc in Evolution & Ecology. She enjoys finding ways to bring together STEM and the arts through science illustration and sustainable fibre arts.