Sapientia and Consilium ‘Big Brain Revolution: Artificial Intelligence – Spy or Saviour?’ by Michelle Tempest

With new rules surrounding Covid-19, the Academic Scholars Programme has changed to be completely online so that all year groups can participate simultaneously, giving more students a chance to attend the sessions, whilst also following safer guidelines.

Last Thursday was the first session following our new online programme, led by author and previous hospital doctor, psychiatrist, cognitive analytical therapist, and alumna of Croydon High School, Michelle Tempest (Class of 1994). She enlightened us on her impressive career journey, following her life’s dream of working in medical studies. Dr Tempest is now working globally as a partner in a healthcare strategy consultancy company : Candesic. She allowed us all to see the benefits of technology, and explained how she invests in AI early stage companies, advising more people how to delve effectively into the world of technology.

After our wonderful session, many eyes were opened as to the pure power held in the growing AI industry and its ability to solve so many problems- ones that perhaps seemed impossible before. This certainly demonstrated just how important AI will be to our generation and in the future. Mixing psychology with technology was something I had never even thought about before, but after Dr. Tempest explained all of the advantages that could come from this, I began to understand how brilliant of an idea it is. For example, by using AI machines to interpret emotional signals from a human brain, we can understand and help so many people who are struggling around the world.  The effect that technology already has on our brains is incredible, but with the innovations that we have today, we can begin to understand human brains on a much larger scale, gathering information such as brain wave patterns, emotions and even our innermost thoughts.

Michelle Tempest’s book ‘Big Brain Revolution’, which she generously gifted to each of us, explores these theories and thoughts on a much deeper level, showing her life’s work, and the impact AI has on our society. During her talk, she often promoted ‘healthy thinking’- a similar concept to how we often are told to promote ‘healthy eating’. By exposing our brains to new and positive information, we will flourish as a society in newfound ways. This talk was a truly remarkable experience, making us all ponder what the future of medicine might look for us.

Chloe Y10