About the Event
The second edition of Data Research Meetup by MagIC will bring together the Data Science research community, offering a platform to discuss current challenges and opportunities in the field. Under the theme 'Consumer Tech: When Management Meets Data Science', this edition features a keynote lecture, research presentations, and a poster session, encouraging knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue among academics, doctoral students, and practitioners.
- Keynote Address: Human Experience in an AI World
Speaker: Professor Rhonda Hadi
University of Oxford – Saïd Business School
As part of the morning program, we are honoured to welcome Professor Rhonda Hadi, a distinguished scholar whose research focuses on the intersection of marketing and emerging technologies, particularly their influence on consumer experiences and behaviour.
In her keynote address, Professor Hadi will examine the rise of what she terms a "fluid reality", where the boundaries between human and artificial experiences are increasingly permeable. Drawing from empirical studies, she will explore how consumers respond to humanized forms of AI—including synthetic humans in advertising, conversational AI agents, and social robots.
Her talk will offer evidence-based insights into consumer perceptions of AI-generated content, with a particular focus on the ethical dimensions of transparency and disclosure. The presentation will critically address whether these technologies serve to enhance or diminish meaningful human interaction and will situate these insights within broader cultural, regulatory, and innovation frameworks. Through case studies and experimental findings, attendees will be equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape with both scientific depth and ethical foresight.
- Research Presentations and Poster Sessions
As part of the afternoon agenda, the event will feature oral presentations by MagIC researchers, highlighting current projects and findings across the Centre’s diverse research lines. These sessions are designed to foster constructive dialogue and catalyse future collaborations.
A PhD poster session will also showcase the work of NOVA IMS doctoral students, reflecting the breadth and dynamism of the next generation of data science scholars. An award for Best Poster Presentation will be presented to recognize outstanding research contributions.