Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is no longer a futuristic concept.  It’s here, embedded in almost every technology we use. It’s one of the most transformative forces of our time, and in this episode, we’re unpacking what that means, focusing on the powerful engines behind it: large language models, or LLM’s.

A year and a half ago, The Random Sample did an episode exploring the science behind ChatGPT and its groundbreaking use of LLM’s.  Fast forward to now, and the A-I landscape has already shifted dramatically. The pace of innovation is staggering.

Today, we’re bringing back our guest from that previous episode. Simon Angus is a Professor in the Department of Economics at Monash University. Simon is also a Principal Investigator with SoDa Labs at Monash Business School, a research lab that applies new tools from data science and machine learning to answer social science questions. Simon will help us navigate what’s new, and what we should be thinking about as AI continues to reshape the world.

Whether you’re new to AI and unsure where to start, or already exploring how it can transform your work or life, this episode has something for you. Understanding this transformative technology isn’t optional. It’s essential – and Simon is here to break it all down in a way that’s clear, approachable, and practical.

Our host is Pranita Shrestha, a PhD Candidate at the Action Lab in the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University.

Episode webpage with links:  https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/beyond-chatgpt-ai-landscape/

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is no longer a futuristic concept.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s here, embedded in almost every technology we use. It&rsquo;s one of the most transformative forces of our time, and in this episode, we&rsquo;re unpacking what that means, focusing on the powerful engines behind it: large language models, or LLM&rsquo;s.
A year and a half ago, The Random Sample did an episode exploring the science behind ChatGPT and its groundbreaking use of LLM&rsquo;s.&nbsp; Fast forward to now, and the A-I landscape has already shifted dramatically. The pace of innovation is staggering.
Today, we&rsquo;re bringing back our guest from that previous episode. Simon Angus is a Professor in the Department of Economics at Monash University. Simon is also a Principal Investigator with SoDa Labs at Monash&nbsp;Business School, a research lab that applies new tools from data science and machine learning to answer social science questions. Simon will help us navigate what&rsquo;s new, and what we should be thinking about as AI continues to reshape the world.
Whether you&rsquo;re new to AI and unsure where to start, or already exploring how it can transform your work or life, this episode has something for you. Understanding this transformative technology isn&rsquo;t optional. It&rsquo;s essential &ndash; and Simon is here to break it all down in a way that&rsquo;s clear, approachable, and practical.
Our host is Pranita Shrestha, a PhD Candidate at the Action Lab in the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University.
Episode webpage with links: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.therandomsample.com.au/?post_type=podcast&amp;p=1733&amp;preview=true">https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/beyond-chatgpt-ai-landscape/</a>

Beyond ChatGPT: The Rapidly Evolving Landscape of AI - with Professor Simon Angus

This is the second part of our special two-part series, where we dive into the surprising and unexpected ways artificial intelligence, or AI, and the law intersect.

This episode takes a closer look at the evolving efforts to regulate AI—an urgent issue that governments and leaders across Australia and around the world are tackling right now.

We delve into the complexities of assigning responsibility and managing risks in AI systems—especially when so many hands contribute to their creation. How do you hold a system accountable when its impacts can be so widespread and unpredictable?

Our guest is Dr. Henry Fraser, a Research Fellow in Law, Accountability, and Data Science at QUT and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society. His research focuses on developing laws that encourage responsible automated decision-making.

Our host for this series is Dr. Aaron Snoswell, a senior research fellow in A-I accountability at the QUT Generative AI Lab, and co-lead of the Responsible Data Science and A-I program at the QUT Centre for Data Science.

There is more information and links to some of Dr Fraser's work on our website: https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/ai-law-part-2/

This is the second part of our special two-part series, where we dive into the surprising and unexpected ways artificial intelligence, or AI, and the law intersect.
This episode takes a closer look at the evolving efforts to regulate AI—an urgent issue that governments and leaders across Australia and around the world are tackling right now.
We delve into the complexities of assigning responsibility and managing risks in AI systems—especially when so many hands contribute to their creation. How do you hold a system accountable when its impacts can be so widespread and unpredictable?
Our guest is Dr. Henry Fraser, a Research Fellow in Law, Accountability, and Data Science at QUT and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision Making and Society. His research focuses on developing laws that encourage responsible automated decision-making.
Our host for this series is Dr. Aaron Snoswell, a senior research fellow in A-I accountability at the QUT Generative AI Lab, and co-lead of the Responsible Data Science and A-I program at the QUT Centre for Data Science.
There is more information and links to some of Dr Fraser's work on our website: <a href="https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/ai-law-part-2/">https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/ai-law-part-2/</a>

The Many Hands of AI: Responsibility and Regulation - with Dr Henry Fraser

This is the first of our two-part series on a topic that’s sweeping the headlines: Artificial Intelligence or A-I. But we’re taking a different angle, one that many in the data and mathematical sciences might not consider often, but absolutely should. We’re talking about the law! This series will dig into the surprising intersections between A-I and legal frameworks—and the ways in which they’re increasingly intertwined. This episode gets into the here and now – how A-I is already impacting legal practice and policy. Our guest, Associate Professor Michael Guihot from QUT’s School of Law, is an expert on the intricate connections between emerging technologies and the legal system. He studies the societal impacts of innovations like A-I and how they challenge traditional legal frameworks. Guihot also brings A-I into his classroom, giving future legal minds hands-on experience with the technology that will shape their field. Our host for this series is Dr. Aaron Snoswell, a senior research fellow in A-I accountability at the QUT Generative AI Lab, and co-lead of the Responsible Data Science and A-I program at the QUT Centre for Data Science.  Episode webpage:  https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/ai-law-part-1/

This is the first of our two-part series on a topic that’s sweeping the headlines: Artificial Intelligence or A-I. But we’re taking a different angle, one that many in the data and mathematical sciences might not consider often, but absolutely should. We’re talking about the law! This series will dig into the surprising intersections between A-I and legal frameworks—and the ways in which they’re increasingly intertwined. This episode gets into the here and now – how A-I is already impacting legal practice and policy. Our guest, Associate Professor Michael Guihot from QUT’s School of Law, is an expert on the intricate connections between emerging technologies and the legal system. He studies the societal impacts of innovations like A-I and how they challenge traditional legal frameworks. Guihot also brings A-I into his classroom, giving future legal minds hands-on experience with the technology that will shape their field. Our host for this series is Dr. Aaron Snoswell, a senior research fellow in A-I accountability at the QUT Generative AI Lab, and co-lead of the Responsible Data Science and A-I program at the QUT Centre for Data Science.  Episode webpage:  <a href="https://www.therandomsample.com.au/?post_type=podcast&amp;p=1708&amp;preview=true">https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/ai-law-part-1/</a>

The New Reality of AI and the Law - with A/Prof Michael Guihot

High school mathematics in Australia is often driven by one thing: those high-stakes Year 12 exams. In this episode, we take a fresh look at how high school maths is taught. We’re joined by someone who’s making waves in education: Donna Buckley, a mathematics and cybersecurity teacher from John Curtin College of the Arts in Western Australia. In 2023, Donna received the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools, recognised for inspiring students of all backgrounds to see the power of maths beyond the classroom and even opening their eyes to careers in STEM. Donna brings a unique perspective on the gap between what mathematicians do and what high school maths has become.  Donna also shares how she is shaking things up in the classroom, inspiring creativity, and connecting maths to her students’ interests – whether it’s the geometry of fashion, the patterns in textiles, or even using Dr. Seuss to introduce concepts in AI and chatbots. This episode covers a lot of ground on the perceptions of maths and how it’s taught, so get ready for an eye-opening discussion.Our host for this episode is Rose Crocker, an applied mathematician with the Australian Institute of Marine Science.  You can find links to what Donna talked in the episode on our website: https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/maths-education-donna-buckley/

High school mathematics in Australia is often driven by one thing: those high-stakes Year 12 exams. In this episode, we take a fresh look at how high school maths is taught. We’re joined by someone who’s making waves in education: Donna Buckley, a mathematics and cybersecurity teacher from John Curtin College of the Arts in Western Australia. In 2023, Donna received the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools, recognised for inspiring students of all backgrounds to see the power of maths beyond the classroom and even opening their eyes to careers in STEM. Donna brings a unique perspective on the gap between what mathematicians do and what high school maths has become.  Donna also shares how she is shaking things up in the classroom, inspiring creativity, and connecting maths to her students’ interests – whether it’s the geometry of fashion, the patterns in textiles, or even using Dr. Seuss to introduce concepts in AI and chatbots. This episode covers a lot of ground on the perceptions of maths and how it’s taught, so get ready for an eye-opening discussion.Our host for this episode is Rose Crocker, an applied mathematician with the Australian Institute of Marine Science.  You can find links to what Donna talked in the episode on our website: <a href="https://www.therandomsample.com.au/?post_type=podcast&amp;p=1695&amp;preview=true">https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/maths-education-donna-buckley/</a>

Mathematics, creativity & connection: Rethinking maths education in Australia

Atherosclerosis is a silent but deadly condition. It happens when your arteries get clogged with plaque, restricting blood flow and putting you at serious risk for heart attacks and strokes. But here’s the fascinating part: maths is stepping up to help doctors and scientists understand how this condition develops and progresses.

In this episode, we’re joined by two brilliant minds who organised a recent research program at MATRIX, Australia’s residential institute for the mathematical sciences. University of Oxford Professor Helen Byrne sits down with the University of Sydney’s Professor Mary Myerscough. Together, they unpack the complexities of using maths to model biological conditions like atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a silent but deadly condition. It happens when your arteries get clogged with plaque, restricting blood flow and putting you at serious risk for heart attacks and strokes. But here’s the fascinating part: maths is stepping up to help doctors and scientists understand how this condition develops and progresses.
In this episode, we’re joined by two brilliant minds who organised a recent research program at MATRIX, Australia’s residential institute for the mathematical sciences. University of Oxford Professor Helen Byrne sits down with the University of Sydney’s Professor Mary Myerscough. Together, they unpack the complexities of using maths to model biological conditions like atherosclerosis.

Maths Models Shed New Light on Hidden Heart Risks – with Professors Helen Byrne & Mary Myerscough

The 2024 WIMSIG Conference celebrates the achievements of women, trans and gender diverse people in the mathematical sciences.

WIMSIG stands for the Women in Mathematics Special Interest Group. The group is a part of the Australian Mathematical Society.

WIMSIG just wrapped up its third-ever conference with a big gathering in Sydney.

In this episode, we’ll explore how WIMSIG came into being, why it’s so important, and what it means for all those who attend a WIMSIG conference.

Our guests are:
Professor Jennifer Flegg – The University of Melbourne and Chair of the WIMSIG Executive Committee
Professor Jessica Purcell – Monash University and President of the Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS)
 Professor Lesley Ward – University of South Australia and Chair of the 1st WIMSIG Conference

The host is Dr Sevvandi Kandanaarachchi, a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO.

Episode link: https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/wimsig-conference/

The 2024 WIMSIG Conference celebrates the achievements of women, trans and gender diverse people in the mathematical sciences.
WIMSIG stands for the Women in Mathematics Special Interest Group. The group is a part of the Australian Mathematical Society.
WIMSIG just wrapped up its third-ever conference with a big gathering in Sydney.
In this episode, we’ll explore how WIMSIG came into being, why it’s so important, and what it means for all those who attend a WIMSIG conference.
Our guests are:
<ul>
<li>Professor Jennifer Flegg – The University of Melbourne and Chair of the WIMSIG Executive Committee</li>
<li>Professor Jessica Purcell – Monash University and President of the Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS)</li>
<li> Professor Lesley Ward – University of South Australia and Chair of the 1st WIMSIG Conference</li>
</ul>
The host is Dr Sevvandi Kandanaarachchi, a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO.
Episode link: <a href="https://www.therandomsample.com.au/?post_type=podcast&amp;p=1667&amp;preview=true">https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/wimsig-conference/</a>

Shaping the Equation: The 2024 WIMSIG Conference

The Perils of "Publish or Perish".

This episode of The Random Sample is the final instalment in our special three-part series on navigating the world of academic and scientific publishing.

In it, we dive deep into the dilemma - and what many see as the pervasive mindset - known simply as publish or perish.

Our guest is QUT statistician Professor Adrian Barnett. As part of all the research he does, Adrian uses the power of statistics to reveal the pressures and pitfalls of the current system.

Plus, we explore questions like:
Can things change?
Should they?
What can academics and journals do to make the system better?

Our host for this episode is Dr James Nichols, a mathematician and Lecturer at the Australian National University.

The Perils of "Publish or Perish".
This episode of The Random Sample is the final instalment in our special three-part series on navigating the world of academic and scientific publishing.
In it, we dive deep into the dilemma - and what many see as the pervasive mindset - known simply as publish or perish.
Our guest is QUT statistician Professor Adrian Barnett. As part of all the research he does, Adrian uses the power of statistics to reveal the pressures and pitfalls of the current system.
Plus, we explore questions like:
<ul>
<li>Can things change?</li>
<li>Should they?</li>
<li>What can academics and journals do to make the system better?</li>
</ul>
Our host for this episode is Dr James Nichols, a mathematician and Lecturer at the Australian National University.

The Publication Puzzle: Navigating the World of Academic Publishing - Pt 3

The Challenges of Publishing Interdisciplinary Research.

This episode of The Random Sample is the second instalment in our special three-part series into the world of academic and scientific publishing.

In it, we delve into the challenges of publishing interdisciplinary research with special guest, Professor Xiao-Li Meng, founding editor-in-chief of the Harvard Data Science Review. We explore:
How to choose a journal when the research crosses disciplinary boundaries
The important role researchers in the mathematical and data sciences can play in this type of research
The challenges editors and reviewers face with interdisciplinary research

Plus, Professor Meng discusses his motivation for creating the Harvard Data Science Review, and what he does to challenge researchers to communicate their research more broadly.

Our host for this episode is Cynthia Huang, a PhD Candidate in the Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash University.

Episode webpage:  https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/the-publication-puzzle-part-2/

The Challenges of Publishing Interdisciplinary Research.
This episode of The Random Sample is the second instalment in our special three-part series into the world of academic and scientific publishing.
In it, we delve into the challenges of publishing interdisciplinary research with special guest, Professor Xiao-Li Meng, founding editor-in-chief of the Harvard Data Science Review. We explore:
<ul>
<li>How to choose a journal when the research crosses disciplinary boundaries</li>
<li>The important role researchers in the mathematical and data sciences can play in this type of research</li>
<li>The challenges editors and reviewers face with interdisciplinary research</li>
</ul>
Plus, Professor Meng discusses his motivation for creating the Harvard Data Science Review, and what he does to challenge researchers to communicate their research more broadly.
Our host for this episode is Cynthia Huang, a PhD Candidate in the Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash University.
Episode webpage:  <a href="https://www.therandomsample.com.au/?post_type=podcast&amp;p=1640&amp;preview=true">https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/the-publication-puzzle-part-2/</a>

The Publication Puzzle: Navigating the World of Academic Publishing - Pt 2

We’ve all heard the saying, “publish or perish”. But what does that really mean in today’s world of academic publishing?

Scientific publishing has been shaping knowledge since the 17th century. Today, it's bigger, and more complex, than ever. Yet, for many inside the world of science, it remains a maze of confusion. For those outside of it, it’s practically a black box.

In a special three-part series, The Random Sample will take you behind the scenes to explore the realities of the publication process. This episode is the first in this series.

We’ll begin by answering some fundamental questions:
How does academic publishing really work?
What factors influence the decision on where to publish?
And what happens when a journal reviews a submitted paper?

Our guest is University of Melbourne mathematician Distinguished Professor Peter Taylor, who shares his perspective as both an Academic and editor-in-chief of two applied probability journals.

Our host is Dr Sevvandi Kandanaarachchi, a Senior Research Scientist with CSIRO.

Episode page:  https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/the-publication-puzzle-part-1/

We’ve all heard the saying, “publish or perish”. But what does that really mean in today’s world of academic publishing?
Scientific publishing has been shaping knowledge since the 17th century. Today, it's bigger, and more complex, than ever. Yet, for many inside the world of science, it remains a maze of confusion. For those outside of it, it’s practically a black box.
In a special three-part series, The Random Sample will take you behind the scenes to explore the realities of the publication process. This episode is the first in this series.
We’ll begin by answering some fundamental questions:
<ul>
<li>How does academic publishing really work?</li>
<li>What factors influence the decision on where to publish?</li>
<li>And what happens when a journal reviews a submitted paper?</li>
</ul>
Our guest is University of Melbourne mathematician Distinguished Professor Peter Taylor, who shares his perspective as both an Academic and editor-in-chief of two applied probability journals.
Our host is Dr Sevvandi Kandanaarachchi, a Senior Research Scientist with CSIRO.
Episode page:  <a href="https://www.therandomsample.com.au/?post_type=podcast&amp;p=1620&amp;preview=true">https://www.therandomsample.com.au/podcast/the-publication-puzzle-part-1/</a>

The Publication Puzzle: Navigating the World of Academic Publishing - Pt 1

Starting Wednesday, 28 August, The Random Sample will bring you a special three-part series exploring the world of academic publishing. Listen to this short trailer so you know what to expect!

Starting Wednesday, 28 August, The Random Sample will bring you a special three-part series exploring the world of academic publishing. Listen to this short trailer so you know what to expect!

Trailer: The Publication Puzzle - Navigating the World of Academic Publishing

Welcome to The Random Sample! In this podcast, we share stories about mathematics, statistics, data science and the people involved. This is a collaboration between the Australian Data Science Network (ADSN), the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA), the Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS), the OPTIMA ARC Training Centre, the MATRIX Mathematical Research Institute, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS). ACEMS created the podcast in 2018. For further resources and show notes, visit therandomsample.com.au

Welcome to The Random Sample! In this podcast, we share stories about mathematics, statistics, data science and the people involved. This is a collaboration between the Australian Data Science Network (ADSN), the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA), the Australian Mathematical Society (AustMS), the OPTIMA ARC Training Centre, the MATRIX Mathematical Research Institute, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Mathematical and Statistical Frontiers (ACEMS). ACEMS created the podcast in 2018. For further resources and show notes, visit <a href="https://www.therandomsample.com.au/">therandomsample.com.au</a>

Stories about mathematics, statistics and the people involved

The Random Sample

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