Web Summit Qatar

Program (Stand #E430)

Monday, February 24, 2025

NU-Q TALKs | Dean's Global Forum: Web Summit Special Edition

10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

Beyond the Hype: Technology and Media in Global Education

Jassim Mohamed Al Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar

About

Join us at Web Summit Qatar 2025 for a dialogue between Dean Marwan Kraidy from Northwestern University in Qatar and Eng. Jassim Mohamed Al Khori, CEO of Qatar Media City. The discussion delves into the evolution of media cities—from historic creative hubs to modern, technology-driven ecosystems. It explores how tools such as AI, AR/VR, and digital storytelling are revolutionizing content creation and consumption. Jassim will discuss Qatar Media City’s role in attracting leading media giants and emerging creative enterprises, driving economic growth and innovation. Dean Kraidy will highlight Northwestern University in Qatar’s commitment to cultivating evidence-based storytellers through core values of excellence, community, collaboration, and sustainability. Together, they outline a visionary path for academic and industry partnerships to shape the future of media.

Sound Bytes

11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Chaos Corp.: Decoding Disinformation via Immersive Media

Spencer Striker
Associate Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

About

This Sound Byte presentation introduces Chaos Corp, a groundbreaking digital card simulator developed at Northwestern University in Qatar's Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South. Designed by Spencer Striker, PhD, this immersive experience transports players to a neo-noir Philippines where they orchestrate a disinformation network, gaining unprecedented insight into digital manipulation mechanics. The talk explores the game's learning design methodology and its impact on digital literacy.

Sound Bytes

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Deepfakes: A Looming Threat to the Global South  

Liellina Molla '24
Alumni, Northwestern University in Qatar

About

As AI reshapes reality, deepfakes have become a powerful tool for misinformation, especially in vulnerable nations like Ethiopia. With millions of first time internet users and inadequate AI moderation in local languages, deepfakes threaten social stability, democracy, and public trust. This talk explores how AI driven misinformation fuels conflict, why tech companies must be held accountable, and how Ethiopia’s challenges reflect a broader crisis in the Global South. Addressing these gaps now is crucial to preventing AI from becoming a weapon against truth.

Sound Bytes

12:30 - 1:00 p.m.

Does AI Have a Seat in the Writers' Room?

André Visperas '24
Alumni, Northwestern University in Qatar

About

In a developing film and television industry where Artificial Intelligence is taking shape across all its sectors from pre-production to visual effects and editing, where does AI find itself among the writers?

Sound Bytes

1:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Predicting Stock Prices Using LSTM

About

The presentation outlines a machine-learning approach to predicting stock prices using LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) networks. The goal is to address the constant need for timely and accurate stock market predictions, thereby serving investors, traders, and any interested audience. Traditional methods used to predict stock prices have an average error rate of 20%. This research explores whether a recurrent neural network RNN with LSTM cells can reduce this error and provide a more reliable prediction. After building five different models and testing them, the study observed an error rate of less than 6% which confirms that LSTM-based RNN is effective in forecasting stock prices one day ahead. The research provides a practical application for determining the future value of companies.

NU-Q Talks

1:30 - 2:00 p.m.

The Ghost in the Machine: Authentic Intellect or AI Mirage? 

Hosted by the Executive Education program at Northwestern Qatar

Simon Ferguson
CEO, Resolution films

About

Is AI producing heaven on earth or a hellish world?
Who are the winners and the likely losers?
What does this revolution mean for the future of creative work and careers?

We humans are the Ghost in the Machine. We build AI, use AI, and benefit or suffer the consequences. The machine needs the ghost for guidance and control; the ghost uses the machine for improving efficiency and productivity.

The future of authentic and artificial intelligence hinges on our interactions and the integration of this new wave of disruption in the ways we live, work, play, learn, create, and interact.

This session is a university-industry collaboration of the Executive Education Program at Northwestern University Qatar and Resolution Films in Doha.

DEMO | Educational Game

2:00 - 2:30 P.m.

Chaos Corp.: Troll Farm Simulator

Spencer Striker
Associate Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

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Tuesday, February 25, 2025

NU-Q TALKs

10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

Ai or Nay?

Hosted by the Media Majlis Museum at Northwestern Qatar

Alfredo Cramerotti
Director of the Media Majlis Musuem

Hadeer Omar
VCUarts Qatar

About

This talk with Alfredo Cramerotti and artist Hadeer Omar explores how AI is evolving from a tool to a companion in our digital and creative journeys, and how we find ourselves both shaping and being shaped by these systems. Considering time-based media, creative processes, and archival research, the conversation will discuss the hidden layers of how machines populate our world—calculating, assembling, and even thinking— while exploring the delicate balance of influence between human and artificial intelligence.

Sound Bytes

11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Building a Creative Organization

Gregory Ferrell Lowe
Professor and Director of the Executive Education Program
Northwestern University in Qatar

Sound Bytes

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Laughing in the Dark: The Comedy of Tragedy

Dana Atrach
Assistant Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

About

Comedy has a way of cutting through darkness, creating space for reflection, connection, and unexpected truth. Humor can disarm, challenge, and reveal, making even the heaviest themes more accessible. It allows stories to explore difficult subjects without overwhelming audiences, offering both relief and a deeper emotional impact. More than just entertainment, comedy reshapes how we experience and understand the world.

Sound Bytes

12:30 - 1:00 p.m.

The Internet Remembers: Words, Data, and AI-Powered Journalism

Shakeeb Asrar 
Assistant Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

About

"The Internet Remembers: Words, Data, and AI-Powered Journalism” explores how digital transformation and AI tools have accelerated the speed of carrying investigative journalism. With access to vast digital archives and advanced analytical tools, journalists can now uncover hidden patterns, revisit historical narratives, and correct past inaccuracies with modern insights—often without requiring deep technical expertise in data mining.

Sound Bytes

1:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Digital Archives and Creativity: Nasawiyyah Arab Media History

Mariam Karim
#IAS_NUQ Global Postdoctoral Scholar, Northwestern University in Qatar

About 

Arab feminists (Nasawiyyat) have played a central role in the development of Arab media and anti-colonial nationalist consciousness. Despite this fact, little is known amongst general audiences about the rich legacy of Arab women’s contributions to Arabic mass-media culture. This presentation offers a preview of the digital archival project titled “Nasawiyyah: Arab Media History” which illuminates Arab women’s revolutionary feminist ideas and media productions from the 20th century to contemporary Arabic and English-speaking internet audiences. Drawing from Nawal El-Saadawi’s conception of “dissidence and creativity”, the talk invites media workers and scholars to use and create digital media through justice-centered approaches. The talk situates contemporary uses of feminist and digital media activism in a longer history. Sign-up to learn more: nasawiyyah.com 

NU-Q Talks

1:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Artificial Intelligence² Initiative at Northwestern University in Qatar: Research & Development (R&D), Education, and Community Engagement  

Hosted by Artificial Intelligence² Initiative at Northwestern Qatar

S. Venus Jin
Professor in Residence, Associate Dean for Education, and Founding Director of the Artificial Intelligence and Media Lab
Northwestern University in Qatar

Wajdi Zaghouani 
Associate Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

AURORA Grantees

Sylvie Uwonkunda Dushime, NU-Q Student ’25

Ginger Wang, NU-Q Student ’25

Shugyla Karshygakyzy, NU-Q Student ’27

Zaid Almahmoud, AIM-LAB Postdoctoral scholar

About

DEMO | Educational Game

2:00 - 2:30 P.m.

Chaos Corp.: Troll Farm Simulator

Spencer Striker
Associate Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

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Wednesday, February 26, 2025

NU-Q TALKs

10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

The AI Revolution in Human Connection: Reshaping Communication 

Hosted by the Communication department

Rana Kazkaz
Associate Professor and Director of the Communication Program
Northwestern University in Qatar

Yasemin Celikkol
Assistant Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

Wajdi Zaghouani 
Associate Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

About

From crafting viral content to powering multilingual conversations in real- time, Generative AI is fundamentally transforming how humanity connects, creates, and converses. But as these AI systems become increasingly sophisticated, they're not just tools – they're active participants in our daily communications, raising profound questions about authenticity, creativity, and human connection.

Sound Bytes

11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Engaging with Generative AI in Journalism: A Critical Reflection on Its Potential and Pitfalls

Eddy Borges-Rey
Associate Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

Jana Al Otoum, NU-Q Student

About

Our presentation aims to spark a critical discussion on the role of AI in journalism, emphasizing the importance of engaging thoughtfully with these tools. We advocate for responsible AI use that complements rather than displaces human creativity and editorial judgment, encouraging the tech industry to prioritize transparency, accuracy, and ethical standards in AI development for journalistic use.

Sound Bytes

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

GenAI in Education: Equalizer or Divider? Navigating Equity, Bias, and Ethics

Sahar Mari
Learning Engineer Senior, Northwestern University in Qatar

About

Imagine a classroom where AI-powered tools personalize learning for every student, breaking down language barriers and opening doors to global research. However, these same tools can also reinforce biases and inequalities. This presentation explores the experiences of two international students who benefit from AI in education while also facing its challenges. Through the lens of critical pedagogy, it highlights how AI can promote access yet perpetuate bias, emphasizing the need for transparency and ethical practices. Join this thought-provoking talk to rethink the role of AI in classrooms and its impact on the future of education.

NU-Q Talks

12:30 - 1:00 p.m.

Screens, Streams, and Storytelling: Exploring the Future of Media Consumption

Hosted by the Journalism and Strategic Communication Department

Ilhem Allagui
Professor in Residence and Director of the Journalism and Strategic Communication Program
Northwestern University in Qatar

Claudia Kozman
Assistant Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

Shakeeb Asrar 
Assistant Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

About

In an era where content is consumed through endless screens and constant streams, journalism and strategic communication are undergoing radical transformation. Traditional reporting, public relations, and media strategy must now compete with algorithms, digital platforms, and shifting audience behaviors. How do we prepare the next generation of journalists and communicators to navigate this evolving landscape?

This panel brings together leading educators and media professionals to explore the challenges and opportunities in journalism and strategic communication education. We’ll discuss how universities and training programs can balance foundational principles—such as ethics, fact-checking, and storytelling—with new tools like AI, data-driven reporting, and social media engagement.

Key topics will include:

• The impact of digital platforms on news creation, consumption, and public trust.
• Cultivating storytelling skills across various media, from traditional articles to TikTok and live presentations streaming.
• Integrating emerging technologies like AI and data visualization into curricula.
• Addressing misinformation and media literacy in a polarized world.

Join us for a forward-thinking discussion on how to equip future professionals with the skills, adaptability, and ethical grounding needed to thrive in this ever-changing media ecosystem.

NU-Q Talks

1:30 - 2:00 p.m.

Digital Approaches to Evidence-Based Storytelling

Hosted by the Institute for Advanced Study in the Global South

Scheherazade Safla-Gaffoor
Assistant Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

Eiman Nasir, NU-Q Student '25

Esther Kamanzi , NU-Q Student '25

Xingyu Qin, NU-Q Alumni '23

About

This moderated discussion will explore diverse strategies and approaches to using digital technologies and tools for multimodal and multilingual evidence-based storytelling on, from, and with the Global South. Presenters Eiman Nasir, Esther Kamanzi, and Xingyu Qin will draw on their projects completed as part of the yearlong #IAS_NUQ Global Undergraduate Fellowship. These projects exemplify diverse approaches, topics, locales, and languages situated in the Global South.

The projects include videogame designs based on ancient Chinese poetry and Arabic astronomy as pathways to bridging cross-cultural experiences, a web-based oral history archiving project focused on memories of the 1971 war in Pakistan, and vodcasting as a way to preserve and share elders’ knowledge and storytelling traditions in Rwanda.

DEMO | Educational Game

2:00 - 2:30 P.m.

Chaos Corp.: Troll Farm Simulator

Spencer Striker
Associate Professor, Northwestern University in Qatar

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