The Frankfurt Book Fair 2023 continued to be a hub of dynamic activity on its second day, with much more to explore beyond the traditional book exhibitions. The fair hosted a diverse range of events and knowledge sessions, providing a rich tapestry of insights and experiences for all attendees. Let’s delve into some captivating highlights from these sessions, each offering a unique perspective on the ever-evolving publishing landscape and its intersection with cutting-edge technologies.
75 Years of Human Rights: Readings from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The United Nations and authors from around the world celebrated 75 years of Human Rights through this special event. Authors read parts of their favorite articles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in their native languages and shared what it meant with the audience. This multilingual reading inspired readers and listeners alike to reflect on how our everyday lives are underpinned by the need for human rights for all and why we need to keep fighting to make them a reality for everyone, everywhere.
Content Shift – Accelerator 2023: Finale and Award Show
The finalists of the program Content Shift – Accelerator 2023 were in the race for the title “Content Startup of the Year 2023” and the prize money of €10,000. After three months of intensive exchange with their mentors and coaches, the founders prepared for their final pitch to the jury and the international audience. During the award ceremony, Samantha Merlivat (GoLexic, CEO & Founder) was declared the winner of the prize. The founders contesting for the prize were: Veronika Haberler (Bookscreener), Samantha Merlivat (GoLexic, CEO & Founder), Felix Weiß (to teach, CEO), Kelli Fairbrother (xigxag), Lars Leipson (LIT-X , CEO), Vanessa Theel (SUMM AI, Founder)
AI Solutions: Trained with Your Content
This event focused on the essential role played by Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT developed by OpenAI, in generative AI solutions. These models rely on machine-readable content accessible on the web, sourced from various copyrighted materials like books, scholarly journals, and curated publications. The central question addressed was whether AI should be trained with such content, either with or without consent. The discussions provided valuable perspectives on the challenges and considerations associated with AI solutions trained with copyrighted content. The panelists included Avi Staiman, an Academic Language Expert and Founder & CEO; Dr. Hong Zhou, Director of Intelligent Services & AI R&D at Atypon; Christopher Kenneally, Senior Director of Content Marketing at CCC; and Carlo Scollo Lavizzari, Partner and Head of the IP Department at Lenz Caemmerer.
Advancing diverse open access pathways for humanities & social sciences
The event aimed to address the unique challenges encountered by researchers in the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) and to shed light on the various open-access pathways available to the HSS community. It also sought to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the evolving open-access landscape within the HSS fields. A primary objective was to underscore the significance of increased multi-stakeholder collaboration in ensuring equitable access to knowledge and nurturing a diverse, open, and inclusive research culture. The event featured speakers Ms. Carolyn Kirby (Vice President, Europe, Middle East & North Africa, Taylor & Francis) and Ms. Ellie Souster (Head of Transformative Agreement, Taylor & Francis Group). Their contributions were instrumental in enriching the dialogue and illuminating the importance of open access in the HSS fields.
AI and its Impact on OA and Research Integrity
The panel discussion focused on AI’s influence on research integrity, particularly how generative content systems can create papers and images for scholarly use. The panel considered the ethical boundaries and nuances, such as researchers using AI to improve their writing style. The panel also explored the reliability of neural network tools in detecting fraudulent submissions. The panelists included: Leslie D. McIntosh, VP of Research Integrity, Digital Science, Anita Dewaard, VP of Research Collaborations, Elsevier, Avi Staman, Founder and CEO of Academic Language Expert. Their insights provided a comprehensive view of AI’s role in research and open access.
Building Partnerships for New Product Creation in Publishing using AI at BMJ
The session underscored the necessity of remaining “ahead of the curve” in the publishing industry, a drive that often propels publishers into creative territory. Nevertheless, it was emphasized that the calculated risks associated with innovation require more than “going it alone.” The discussion revolved around the concept that the creation of new products in STM (Science, Technology, and Medicine) publishing necessitates a collaborative approach, drawing on partnerships and expertise that extend beyond an organization’s in-house capabilities. The speaker, Mr. Ian Mulvany, Chief Technology Officer at BMJ, provided valuable insights during the talk. He delved into the opportunities presented by AI, the challenges entailed in new product development, and the significance of cultivating collaborative partnerships to maximize expertise.
Advancing Publishing Beyond the Book: AI/ML, Extended Reality, and Personalization
This event provided an insightful journey into the transformation of the publishing landscape through technological innovation. It delved into the limitless possibilities that extend beyond traditional books, highlighting cutting-edge advancements in the field of publishing. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the revolutionary impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) on content creation, distribution, and consumption. These technologies were showcased as tools for reshaping the publishing process.
A notable highlight of the event was the demonstration of AI-driven algorithms that personalize content to align with individual preferences. These algorithms were presented as a means to deliver captivating and tailored reading experiences to every reader.
