Evolution or Revolution? Embracing AI in IT and beyond in the fast-changing world

by Dr Axel Koester (IBM)

Tuesday 27 May 2025, 11:00 → 12:30 Europe/Zurich

500/1-001 - Main Auditorium (CERN)

Abstract:

When AI news shakes stock markets around the world, we can be sure that the next big thing is only a step away. How do we cope with this hyper-exponential development? Does it clash with a conservative approach to IT infrastructure design? How a big organization can embrace it and what it means for the workforce:  how AI can change the way *you* work in the future.

In this lecture we will introduce how the AI models work, how they are used and how they are built. We will also explore, from an engineer’s perspective the concept of “Private AI” in the organization – not just relying on Cloud services and how we can tame the avalanche of new AI models. We will use an example of AI for IT operations and low-hanging fruits for AI projects in infrastructure departments: how Storage and Cybersecurity can benefit from AI.

 We will also see what’s cooking in the labs: cutting edge technology development for AI.

This lecture will present complex topics in an accessible way and it is intended for broad CERN audience: everyone interested in understanding the AI revolution and getting inspired by it: from basic concepts, to the general impact for organizations and the society, to cutting-edge technology.

Bio: 

Dr. Axel Koester is EMEA technical leader for “Storage for AI and new workloads” at IBM. He is past chairman and current board member of the IBM TEC think tank, the german-speaking affiliate of the IBM Academy. He also was Storage Chief Technologist for the former IBM Storage Competence Center in Frankfurt.

Prior to joining IBM in 2000, Axel helped build the Large Hadron Collider project at CERN, Geneva, and worked for the Fraunhofer Research Institutes.

Axel holds a PhD in electrical engineering and computer science from the RWTH Aachen University.