The Future of AI
A conference sponsored by the Interdisciplinary Institute on Artificial Intelligence at Montana State University
October 1-2, 2026
Montana State University
The rise of Artificial Intelligence has fundamentally altered what it means to produce and disseminate knowledge. Moreover, AI raises unprecedented epistemic challenges for every discipline and field. We need to better understand these challenges and consider how to successfully navigate the future of AI, including the political, social, economic, and ecological ramifications of AI.
Like other technologies, AI did not emerge out of thin air or without consequences. AI has a history that extends back decades; a literary and cultural context that has defined and continues to define human interaction with AI; a financial, capital, and political framework that shapes what AI is and how it operates; an evolving mathematical basis for its operations, arrangement and architecture; and a resource configuration on the built environment that has major implications for Montana and the U.S. Consequently, we need an interdisciplinary approach to make sense of what AI is and what it means for research, discovery, and the dissemination of knowledge.
This conference explores the possibilities and challenges of AI for human knowledge. What modes of research and creative work are possible with AI? How will AI affect the transmission and preservation of human knowledge? Will AI be a reliable source of knowledge, or does it pose threats to having an informed citizenry? This conference will allow colleagues to reflect on the opportunities and challenges for conducting research and creative inquiry in the age of AI. A series of moderated workshops will allow participants and speakers to interact and will focus on strategies for universities, nonprofits, and businesses to address major questions raised by AI.
Schedule of events
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Location: SUB Ballrooms A-B-C-D
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Welcome: 9:30-10:00 |
William G. Thomas III, Dean of the College of Letters and Science and Professor of History, Doralyn Rossmann, Dean of the Library, and John Paxton, Director, Gianforte School of Computing, Montana State University |
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Opening Remarks: Alison Harmon, Vice President for Research and Development, and Ryan Knutson, Vice President for University Information Technology, Montana State University |
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Session I: 10:00-11:30 |
Chair: Kristen Intemann, Professor of Philosophy, MSU |
| "AI, History, and Democracy," Edward L. Ayers, President Emeritus, University of Richmond |
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| Elham Tabassi, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology, Brookings Institution | |
| Discussant: Jason Clark, Professor, MSU Library | |
Lunch with invited MSU faculty, staff, and guests: 12:00-1:30 |
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Session II: 1:30-3:00 |
Chair: Tim LeCain, Department Head and Professor of History |
| "Songs of the Parrots: Artificial Intelligence and the Humanity of Art" Bruce Holsinger, Professor of English, University of Virginia |
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| “Why do Wolves Howl?” Jeff Reed, independent scholar, Yellowstone Forever |
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| Discussant: Julia Haggerty, Department Head and Professor of Earth Sciences | |
Break |
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Session III: 3:30-5:00 |
Chair: Sara Mannheimer, Professor, MSU Library |
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"Beyond the Hype: How AI is Reshaping Education and Research" Tracy Camp, Executive Director and CEO, Computing Research Association |
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| “The Archive and the Algorithm: the contribution of cultural heritage to our collective
future” Kate Zwaard, Executive Director, Coalition of Networked Information |
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| Discussant: Brad Whitaker, Associate Professor, Gianforte School of Computing | |
| Reception, Gianforte Hall: 5:00-6:30 |
Welcome Remarks by Dr. John Paxton, Director of the Gianforte School of Computing |
Friday, October 2, 2026
Location: SUB Ballrooms B-C-D
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Concurrent Roundtable |
Roundtable Discussions I: “AI, Energy, and the Environment”Julia Haggerty (Earth Sciences), Jason Cummins (Education), and Elizabeth Johnson (Nursing)
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Roundtable Discussions II: “AI and Society”Tim LeCain (History), Faraz Dadgosti (Engineering), Neda Nazimi (Computer Science), Nic Lux (Education), and Michael Reidy (History)
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Roundtable Discussions III: “Quantum and AI Convergence”Jayne Morrow (Director, QCORE) and John Paxton (Director of the Gianforte School of Computing) and others TBD
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Plenary Session and |
Chairs: Doralyn Rossmann and William G. Thomas III Speakers Roundtable Discussion with the Audience |
