12 Years of the Warren Center

Twelve years ago, the Warren Center celebrated its launch. Since then, we've continued to host events, support collaborative research, and highlight leading thinkers and cutting-edge developments, connecting researchers, students, and entrepreneurs across the spectrum of data science, uniting them in the pursuit of knowledge.

Democratic Repercussions of Media Fragmentation

How does media fragmentation contribute to democratic erosion? Join Penn's new Center on Media, Technology, and Democracy on October 21st for lightning talks and a panel discussion on these critical issues.

• Communication
• Computer and Information Science
• Operations Information and Decisions

AI Is on the Rise, and So Is the Environmental Impact of the Data Centers That Drive It

Over the past year, the environmental consequences of AI—specifically its most popular generative platforms like ChatGPT—have been under intense scrutiny. “AI uses energy, and it doesn’t care where that energy is coming from,” said Benjamin C. Lee to Smithsonian Magazine.

• Computer and Information Science
• Electrical and Systems Engineering

Penn Engineering: The Why Behind the How

“AI demands an interdisciplinary approach,” says Chris Callison-Burch. That philosophy shapes his teaching as much as his research, with students experiencing the exact same rigor online as they would on campus.

• Computer and Information Science

The Penn AI Symposium: Global Ideas Shaping Humanity

The inaugural Penn AI Symposium is a landmark event that gathers leading thinkers who will share their explorations at the frontiers of artificial intelligence. The symposium is hosted by Penn AI, and will take place on October 10th-11th. Speakers include Vijay Kumar, Bhuvnesh Jain, René Vidal, Eric Bradlow, and Duncan Watts.

• Computer and Information Science
• Economics
• Education
• Electrical and Systems Engineering
• Marketing
• Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics
• Operations Information and Decisions
• Physics and Astronomy
• Radiology
• Statistics

Good Conversations Don’t Require Everybody to Agree, Neuroscience Shows

Brain imaging is illuminating the patterns linked to productive, positive dialogue, and those insights could help people connect with others, writes Emily Falk for Scientific American.

• Communication
• Marketing
• Operations Information and Decisions
• Psychology

Winning the Battle Against Yourself

This week, the Hidden Brain Podcast spoke with psychologist and neuroscientist Emily Falk about why our minds often conspire against our best interests, and how we can regain control.

• Communication
• Marketing
• Psychology

Scientific Frontiers of Agentic AI

It feels as though we’ve barely absorbed the rapid development and adoption of generative AI technologies such as large language models (LLMs) before the next phenomenon is already upon us, namely agentic AI, writes Michael Kearns for Amazon Science.

• Computer and Information Science

AIRFoundry: AI for RNA Discovery and Synthesis

The NSF-AIRFoundry is a National Science Foundation-funded BioFoundry that aims to transform how RNA is designed, synthesized and delivered in order to democratize their use in all areas of biotechnology. In this ASSET Center seminar, Zack Ives describes AIRFoundry's early experiences and innovations.

• Computer and Information Science

Labubunomics: The Economics of Pop Mart’s Labubu Craze

Pop Mart’s “ugly-cute” elf Labubu has exploded from niche art toy to global craze, driving revenues to nearly $2 billion in 2024. Whether Labubu becomes a lasting cultural icon or a fleeting fad, Pop Mart has built a powerful model of scarcity, spectacle, and surprise that could outlive its star mascot, writes Gad Allon.

• Operations Information and Decisions