Science at the Local - June 2025

Sunday 29th June at 2pm

Computational Creativity - Music and Art in the Age of AI
Prof. Oliver Bown, UNSW

The Power of Numbers - Using Mathematics for Social Impact
Dr. Katie Buchorn

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Oliver is a researcher and maker working with creative technologies. He comes from a highly diverse academic background spanning social anthropology, evolutionary and adaptive systems, music informatics and interaction design, with a parallel career in electronic music and digital art spanning over 15 years. He is interested in how artists, designers and musicians can use advanced computing technologies to produce complex creative works. His current active research areas include media multiplicities, musical metacreation, the theories and methodologies of computational creativity, new interfaces for musical expression, and multi-agent models of social creativity. He is a Associate Professor at the School of Art & Design, University of New South Wales, where he is also co-director of the Interactive Media Lab, and co-director of Research and Engagement.

Katie is a Data Scientist at the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women at Monash University. With a background in theoretical mathematics and experience across finance, technology, and environmental research, Katie uses machine learning and open-source tools to tackle complex social and environmental challenges. Her doctoral research focused on optimising data collection in river systems to better monitor water quality, and she continues to find innovative, real-world applications for data science. Beyond her research, Katie is a passionate science communicator, TEDx speaker, and author of Wondrous Worlds: The Extraordinary Adventures of a Curious Mathematician. She is also the founder of Signature Scent AI, an AI-powered personalised perfume start-up. Katie is dedicated to engaging the next generation of thinkers and demonstrating the powerful, unexpected ways mathematics and technology can shape a better world.