Who is Bernardo Caldas?

Bernardo Caldas is an AI researcher whose talent lies in simplifying complex concepts. He hails from a family of four siblings and finds inspiration in Richard Feynman, not only for his scientific prowess but also for his sense of humor. One of Feynman’s quotes that Bernardo often shares is, “Science is like sex: it has practical benefits, but that’s not why we do it.”

Bernardo’s journey in life is as unique as his professional path. He once planned a trip to India but stayed home for the birth of his son—a journey he cherishes the most.

Discovering the Path to Data and AI

We kicked off our conversation with a question of curiosity often directed at me: How did Bernardo discover his path to data and AI? Here’s what he shared:

“It wasn’t a lifelong plan; it happened organically. When choosing my degree, I had no idea AI existed. I knew I didn’t want to pursue medicine due to its rigid structure, so I opted for electrical engineering and computer science—a broad field offering a bit of everything. During my studies, a professor who saw potential in me introduced me to a research project involving converting brainwave data from electroencephalograms into music. This quirky project sparked my interest in machine learning and set me on my path.”

This early exposure led Bernardo to delve deeper into machine learning, pursuing advanced studies at the prestigious Imperial College in London, where he worked on projects that blended neuroscience with AI. Discover more about Bernardo here.

Data for Good: A Mission Beyond Profit

Bernardo is a strong advocate for using data for social good. His projects range from enhancing democracy to predicting malaria outbreaks in Africa and distributing fresh produce efficiently.

“When I started, I felt dissatisfied with the limited impact of my work in the corporate world. I yearned to apply my skills to more meaningful causes. This led me to collaborate with a professor from Nova University who had worked with Obama’s chief data scientist. Inspired, we launched ‘Data Science for Social Good Portugal,’ a project aimed at tackling social issues using data.”

This initiative has since grown, attracting volunteers from various backgrounds eager to make a difference. Despite its success, Bernardo highlights the constant need for impactful projects and encourages those with social issues needing data-driven solutions to reach out.

The AI Revolution: Opportunities and Challenges

Our conversation naturally shifted to the broader implications of AI. With the rapid advancements in AI technologies like ChatGPT, we asked Bernardo whether AI would end the world or if the world would adapt to AI.

“There’s no doubt AI will transform the world significantly. While there’s a lot of hype, less than 10% of the working population has actually used tools like ChatGPT. The fear and dramatization often stem from a lack of understanding. AI can certainly enhance efficiency and productivity, but complete automation of human jobs is a complex and distant challenge.”

Bernardo stresses the importance of approaching AI with a balanced perspective, recognizing both its potential benefits and the ethical considerations it entails.

Join the Movement

For those inspired by Bernardo’s journey and looking to contribute to social good using data science, “Data Science for Social Good Portugal” offers a platform to channel your skills towards meaningful causes. The organization continually seeks new projects and volunteers to expand its impact.

In closing, Bernardo’s story is a testament to the power of curiosity and the desire to make a positive difference in the world. From his humble beginnings in engineering to his groundbreaking work in AI, he exemplifies how passion and purpose can intersect to create profound societal impact.

You can watch the full episode on Youtube, on the link below.