PINT OF SCIENCE FESTIVAL
19-21 MAY 2025
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AI, Admission and Algorithmic Anxiety
Is school admission luck or logic? Does the way we talk about AI shape what it becomes? Join us at Café Boekowski for a night of eye-opening talks on hidden algorithms, surprising biases, and the power of words in shaping our world!
Gambling with our kids? MeldJeAan Central school assignment algorithms explained
Kenneth Sörensen
Full Professor, Vice Dean in Engineering Management
University of Antwerp
"“A lottery!”
“A game!”
“A scandal!”
What if getting your child into their preferred school felt like playing the lottery? In Antwerp, many parents think that.
The MeldJeAan system — a central algorithm that assigns students to schools — is often called unfair, random, or even scandalous.
But is it really just a game of chance? In this talk, I’ll explain how MeldJeAan actually works, why cities turn to algorithms for school assignment, and what “fairness” really means in this context. I’ll also share some surprising facts, common misconceptions, and maybe even a small tip to improve your odds.
Talking AI into Existence: Where Technology Meets Language
Anthony Longo
PhD researcher, Center for European Philosophy
University of Antwerp
AI is everywhere—it’s in our conversations, headlines, and political debates. But have you ever stopped to think about why we imagine AI the way we do? From Hollywood robots to futuristic stock images, the way we talk about AI deeply shapes how we understand it. Words like "intelligence" and "learning" make AI sound human-like, while abstract terms like the "black box" create an air of mystery. Because we never can see AI directly, we rely on language and images to make sense of it. In this talk, we’ll explore how our words don’t just describe AI, but actively construct what we believe it is—and what we expect it to become.
