The video shows a casually dressed presenter reading the introduction of renowned black hole researcher Katie Bouman from a mobile phone, while the same text is simultaneously displayed on a large screen behind him. Bouman, who gained global recognition for her pivotal contribution to producing the first-ever image of a black hole, is seen standing off to the side during the introduction.
As the presenter outlines her academic and professional achievements, he abruptly halts and remarks that he does not wish to “waste” his time continuing, before inviting Bouman onto the stage.
The clip, which was recorded at International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR) 2026, a major global forum for machine learning research, quickly spread online and triggered strong reactions from the academic and technology communities. Major technology companies including Google and Apple were among the event’s sponsors.
The video was shared by Peyman Milanfar, head of computational imaging research at Google. In his response, Milanfar described the introduction as a “train wreck” and outlined what he characterised as basic standards of professional etiquette expected in such settings.
He stated that presenters should avoid relying on mobile devices during formal introductions, should ensure proper preparation, and should bring speakers onto the stage only after completing their introductions. He further emphasised the importance of acknowledging speakers respectfully, maintaining eye contact, and avoiding any phrasing that could diminish the significance of a speaker’s academic or professional record.
The incident has generated divided reactions online. While several viewers criticised the presenter’s remarks and delivery, others suggested that the phrasing may have been unintentional or misinterpreted. Researcher Jelani Nelson noted that the comment could have been intended as a reference to time constraints rather than a dismissal of Bouman’s achievements.
Milanfar later acknowledged that the remark may have been a slip of the tongue; however, he maintained that the overall presentation of the introduction remained unprofessional in tone and execution.
The video continues to circulate widely, intensifying discussion around etiquette, respect, and professionalism in high-profile academic and scientific forums
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