Isabel Capeloa Gil is a guest speaker at the world's most prestigious Science, Technology and Society Forum

“The central question is not whether Artificial Intelligence (AI) will shape social communication, but rather how societies will choose to guide its development to support Democracy, Trust and Human Rights.” This was one of the starting points for the debate “Social Networks and Communications”, a panel discussion at the Science and Technology in Society Forum (STS forum), the world’s leading and most prestigious forum on Science, Technology and Society, held in Kyoto, Japan.

Among the experts invited to this panel was Isabel Capeloa Gil, President of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa and Chair of the Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities (SACRU). Also participating were Eric Mazur, professor at Harvard University; Juliana Chan, CEO of Wildtype Media Group; Maher Nasser, Assistant Secretary-General and Commissioner-General of the United Nations at Expo 2025 in Osaka; Ketan J. Patel, executive chairman of Greater Pacific Capital LLP; Jim Zemlin, CEO of the Linux Foundation; and Makoto Usami, professor at Kyoto University.

The ‘multiplier’ effect of AI, how this tool will be used, the challenges, opportunities and threats it represents, and its rapid integration into social networks and communication platforms were other topics highlighted.

In its 22nd edition, the STS forum took place from 5 to 7 October in Kyoto, and the Opening Plenary Session ‘Looking at the World in 2030 and beyond -- The Future of Science and Technology and Humankind’ was attended by the Emperors of Japan, Naruhito and Masako.

Held annually since 2004 in Kyoto, this event serves as a platform that brings together scientists, leaders in the fields of politics, business and academia, and experts from various fields to discuss science and technology from a long-term perspective.

At this year's event, which was attended by ministers from various countries, top White House officials, and leaders of scientific associations, the main topics discussed were related to AI and Society, Science Diplomacy, Research Security, and Innovation in Healthcare.

During this scientific meeting, Isabel Capeloa Gil also met with Miki Sugimura, President of Sophia University and Vice-President of SACRU, and Junko Hibiya, Vice-President of the Science Council of Japan.

In 2024, the STS forum welcomed around 1,400 participants from 80 countries, regions and international entities, including heads of state, political advisers and senior government officials, Nobel Prize winners, rectors of renowned universities, presidents of science academies and research institutes, executives from multinational companies and non-governmental organisations.

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