The Department of Anthropology, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, hosted a groundbreaking national seminar from March 20 to 21, 2024, titled ‘Leveraging Emerging Technologies in Anthropogenic Research: Unleashing the Potential of GIS and AI Technologies’. Supported by Intel, this event explored the symbiotic relationship between Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), commonly referred to as GeoAI.
Distinguished luminaries from various fields graced the occasion as guest speakers. Among them were Dr Sanjay Manjul from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Professor (Dr) Milap Punia from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr Balveer Kumar from DRDO, Delhi, Dr Gautam Dutta, Marketing Director of Siemens Digital Industries Software, and Dr Prateik Ghosh, Director of Plexus Infratech Pvt Ltd and CTO, SCS Tech India Pvt Ltd, to name a few. Together, they delved into the multifaceted dimensions of GeoAI's impact, ranging from archaeological research to contemporary epidemiology.
The seminar attracted scholars from national and international institutions, educators from diverse academic institutions, and government/ NGO officials involved in anthropological research. Additionally, research scholars from various branches of anthropology and allied sciences contributed to the enriching discussions and collaborations.
Dr (Prof) Roumi Deb, Director of Amity Institute of Anthropology, highlighted the seminar's ambitious goals, emphasising the need to explore GeoAI's potential in crisis response, cultural analysis, urban planning, and more. Furthermore, the event focussed on the ethical considerations surrounding AI technologies, addressing concerns such as bias, privacy, and cultural sensitivity.
This seminar served as a platform to envision a future where GeoAI revolutionises anthropological inquiry, offering profound insights into humanity's interaction with its environment. It also underscored Amity University's commitment to fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.