Gaines Center continues ‘Year of the Human Algorithm’ with acclaimed author Ted Chiang
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 10, 2026) — The University of Kentucky Gaines Center for the Humanities will continue its “Year of the Human Algorithm” with a visit from acclaimed science fiction author Ted Chiang, whose award-winning novella “Story of Your Life” inspired the 2016 film “Arrival.” Chiang’s work explores questions surrounding technology, artificial intelligence and what it means to be human.
Chiang will visit UK at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, as part of the 2026 Bale Boone Symposium. He will join Michelle Sizemore, Ph.D., director of the Gaines Center, for a conversation at the Singletary Center for the Arts Recital Hall.
The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required.
During the conversation, Chiang will discuss the future of science fiction, his perspectives on artificial intelligence and its relationship to art and authorship, and his award-winning collection, “Stories of Your Life and Others,” in which “Story of Your Life” is included.
Audience members are also invited to submit questions for Chiang in advance, with select questions potentially being asked during the onstage conversation.
Chiang’s visit is part of the Gaines Center’s yearlong exploration of the relationship between humanity and rapidly evolving technology. Throughout the 2026-27 academic year, the “Year of the Human Algorithm” invites the campus and Lexington communities to consider what it means to be human in the 21st century as artificial intelligence continues to develop and influence everyday life.
Through its programming, the Gaines Center is examining both the opportunities and challenges presented by humans’ adaptation to an increasingly digital future, while encouraging renewed conversations about human value. The initiative considers how definitions of “the human” may continue to shift as machines develop greater capacities for intelligence, communication, creativity and connection.
Chiang’s writing has explored many of those questions throughout his career. His work has earned numerous major science fiction honors, including Hugo, Nebula and Locus awards.
In conjunction with Chiang’s visit, the Gaines Center will host a special screening of “Arrival,” 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at the Kentucky Theatre. Chiang will welcome attendees before the screening, and UK linguists Brenna Byrd and Andrew Byrd will provide opening remarks and guidance for viewing the film. Tickets are $6.50
Following the Oct. 6 conversation, Barnes & Noble will host for a book signing during which his books will be available for purchase.
For more information about the Gaines Center for the Humanities and upcoming events, visit gaines.uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.