15/09/2026
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Leblebici has contributed as the distinguished speaker to the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Fall Semester of Venice International University (VIU) which took place on the island of San Servolo on 9 September 2026. The traditional keynote event, called "Lectio Magistralis" (Master Lecture) in Latin, started with a detailed introduction of the subject and the speaker by Ambassador Umberto Vattani, President of Venice International University. The opening talk by President Leblebici, entitled "A View of Revolutionary Technologies in Human History: Our Collective Responsibilities" focused on the rapid advances in the technology domain during the last years, culminating in the AI revolution that we are experiencing today.
Professor Leblebici stated that the accelerating evolution of this field is mainly driven by the hardware technologies (i.e. semiconductors) which have enjoyed sustained exponential growth over the past 60 years. He emphasized that for careful observers of technology and industry, the current state of affairs is a natural outcome of the steps that were taken over the past decades but the developments are rapidly becoming very difficult to manage, given the “linear” fashion of progress that was assumed throughout human history. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the dynamics that underlie the latest developments, and to assume our collective responsibilities that are needed to face this new era.
The talk was followed by a lively discussion that was driven by the questions of audience members. The event was attended by VIU officials, representatives of the City of Venice Municipality, faculty members of VIU and other Venice universities, and students.
