How do large language models work? What is it about the recently-announced DeepSeek technology that has changed the way that people think about building large AI models? Join us for the answers to these questions and more.

The evening will begin with a short, non-technical introduction to large language models, with a focus on the key innovations that allow them to function. We’ll then have a panel discussion, moderated by the chair of the Department of Computer Science at Rice, where four Rice professors will discuss the generative AI landscape, with an eye toward explaining the math and engineering underlying modern AI to a general audience. There will also be plenty of time for audience Q&A.

Moderator: Chris Jermaine

Panelists: Rice CS faculty members Hanjie Chen, Xia Ben Hu, Vicente Ordóñez, and Anshumali Shrivastava

The general public is welcome, and the event will be followed by a reception.

Sponsored by Rice’s Department of Computer Science and the Ken Kennedy Institute.