Bennie Mols
The Heidelberg Laureate Forum has a single purpose: To provide some of the brightest minds in mathematics and computer science with the space and time to make connections and find inspiration. The HLFF Spotlight series shines a light on some of the brilliant individuals attending the event.
Bennie Mols is a Dutch freelance science journalist, author and speaker with 25 years of experience who specializes in artificial intelligence and robotics. He has written over 700 popular science articles for various national and international media, including “Communications of the ACM”, and published 13 books, including his most recent one on artificial intelligence: “Slim, slimmer, slimst”(2023 – in Dutch). He holds degrees in Physics and Philosophy and a PhD in Physics. At the 11th, he is moderating the Hot Topic panel on “The Paradox of Artificial Intelligence: Smarter than a Grandmaster but More Ignorant than a Toddler.”
What first inspired you to pursue a career in science journalism?
I studied Physics and Philosophy and then got my PhD in Physics. During my PhD research, I noticed that I am more of a generalist than a specialist. I figured out that I wanted to combine my passion for science in the broad sense and my passion for writing. That’s how I rolled into science journalism. I love showing a general audience how science can change your view of the world. At first, I mostly wrote articles, but after a few years I also started talking about science on the radio. Gradually, I started specialising in artificial intelligence and robotics. In this, my interests in computer science, engineering, neuroscience and even philosophy converge.
What is the most exciting or meaningful development happening in computer science right now and why?
For me, that is the integration of AI into everyday life. I started writing about AI in 2010. Back then, AI was mainly basic science. In the past decade, AI has developed spectacularly. It has also become an applied science and it found its way into everyday applications. At parties, everyone knows what ChatGPT is and people like discussing the philosophical and ethical aspects of AI. More than any other science, computer science is a unique interplay between science and engineering, between scientific discoveries and the tools the field develops. This means that the way people will use AI tools will in turn create new scientific challenges.
As a journalist, what do you enjoy most about attending and reporting on the Heidelberg Laureate Forum?
The most valuable thing for my work is being able to interview laureates in person. I have participated in the HLF three times before and have conducted wonderful interviews with pioneers like Vint Cerf, Fred Brooks, Edward Feigenbaum, Raj Reddy, Leslie Valiant and Jack Dongarra. In addition, I always enjoy talking to young researchers from all over the world. Their enthusiasm and new ideas also motivate me as a science journalist. As convenient as video conferencing is from time to time, nothing beats conferences where people meet face to face. That’s where the best collaborations emerge and where you get the most energy.
Links
www.benniemols.com (Dutch)
http://benniemols.blogspot.com (English/Dutch)