The Trotter Prize in Information, Complexity, and Inference is an esteemed annual award recognizing groundbreaking contributions that enhance our understanding of the intricate roles of information, complexity, and inference in unveiling the marvels of nature. The accompanying annual Trotter Endowed Lecture Series aims to bridge the perceived divide between science and religion, fostering a dialogue that highlights their interconnectedness and mutual enrichment.
Dr. Rosalind Picard, the Grover M. Hermann Professor at MIT’s Media lab, and Dr. Richard Dawkins, world-renowned biologist and best-selling author, will deliver a joint public lecture Thursday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. in Rudder Auditorium.
The presentation will feature talks by Picard and Dawkins, along with a question-and-answer segment. The event is free and open to the public and will be followed by a reception. Register for the event online.
Dr. Rosalind Picard
Are We Merely Machines?
Picard is a pioneer in affective computing. She founded the Affective Computing research group and co-founded two companies: Affectiva, which developed emotion AI technologies, and Empatica, which created an FDA-cleared smartwatch to monitor seizures. Picard’s early work in image and video analysis at MIT paved the way for advancements in human-computer interaction and wearable computing.
She has authored over 400 scientific articles and holds numerous patents, with applications spanning health, AI and human-computer interaction. A Fellow of several prestigious societies, Picard has been recognized globally for her innovative contributions to science and technology.
Dr. Richard Dawkins
The Greatest Idea Ever?
Dawkins is a world-renowned truth-teller, evolutionary biologist, and best-selling author, celebrated globally for his honest critique of religion and tradition and his push for critical thinking. His books include "The Ancestor’s Tale," "The Selfish Gene," "The Blind Watchmaker," "Climbing Mount Improbable," "Unweaving the Rainbow," "A Devil’s Chaplain," "The God Delusion," "The Greatest Show on Earth," "The Magic of Reality," his two-part autobiography "An Appetite for Wonder" and "A Brief Candle in the Dark," and "Outgrowing God: A Beginner’s Guide."
Dawkins has gained notoriety for his unwavering commitment to science as an advocate for scientific literacy and rational thinking, particularly in the education of younger generations. His relentless pursuit of truth and his recognition of the beauty in life on earth has made him a revered source of wisdom and insight in response to scientific and existential inquiries like ‘What are we doing here?’ and ‘When did life begin?’