On February 1, 2026, the International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), together with the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (WPI-Kavli IPMU), The University of Tokyo, and the Earth-Life Science Institute (WPI-ELSI), Institute of Science Tokyo, co-hosted the 11th Joint Public Lecture “A Question of Origins” at Ito Hall, Ito International Research Center, The University of Tokyo.

The lecture explored the origins of the universe, life, and intelligence, highlighting cutting-edge research across disciplines. From IRCN, Dr. Kenichi Ohki, Deputy Director and Professor of IRCN delivered a lecture titled “The Origins of Artificial Intelligence: From the Brain to AI.” He provided an overview of the development of artificial intelligence, tracing its origins to the question of whether machines can emulate the human brain. Drawing on neural circuitry and principles of information processing, he introduced the progression of AI research leading to recent advances in generative AI. Dr. Ohki also highlighted how these developments bring renewed attention to fundamental questions such as what constitutes intelligence and what it means to understand.

Post-lecture survey responses indicated that many attendees found the session valuable for deepening their understanding of the relationship between brain mechanisms and AI.

Following the lectures, a panel discussion was held under the moderation of Dr. Takahiro Nakajima (Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, the University of Tokyo), where speakers engaged in a dynamic exchange of ideas across disciplinary boundaries. A networking tea session after the event provided opportunities for direct interaction between speakers and participants, fostering active discussion.

The event welcomed 166 participants onsite and 466 online, bringing the total number of attendees to 632. The program offered a valuable opportunity to engage with the overarching theme of “origins” and stimulated intellectual curiosity among a broad audience.

Dr. Kenichi Ohki, IRCN Deputy Director, Professor

A philosopher-moderated roundtable discussion