Responsible AI focus for new research centre

AIML

Today, the 成人大片鈥檚 Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) launched its Responsible AI Research Centre (RAIR). The new centre will be based at the Lot Fourteen business and technology precinct in Adelaide.

Responsible AI is the practice of developing and using AI systems in a way that provides benefits to individuals, groups, and the wider society while minimising the risk of negative consequences. Given their increasing importance in our society and economy, AI systems must be trusted to 鈥榖ehave鈥 and make 鈥榙ecisions鈥 in a responsible manner.

RAIR will bring AIML鈥檚 world-class researchers in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) together with scientific experts from CSIRO with support from the South Australian Government.

Research conducted at RAIR will explore four key themes:

  • Tackling misinformation: developing methods that enable attribution of trusted data sources to AI-generated content in order to avoid misinformation and misuse.聽
  • Safe AI in the Real World: exploring the foundational science questions that underpin how AI interacts with the physical world, linking to areas including robotics.聽
  • Diverse AI: developing AI systems that can accurately assess their own knowledge limitations and reliably express uncertainty, helping to reduce AI hallucinations.聽
  • AI that can explain its actions: developing AI that understands cause-and-effect relationships, beyond correlations, particularly in complex and dynamic environments.

RAIR represents AIML鈥檚 third significant AI initiative this year alone. In September, the Institute announced the establishment of the CommBank Centre for Foundational AI Research, in partnership with Commonwealth Bank, and AIML鈥檚 Industrial AI program, which supports the development of core industrial AI capability in South Australia and across the nation in a range of sectors. In total, the three initiatives represent more than $33 million in investment in AI research at AIML.

Quotes attributable to The Hon Susan Close MP, Deputy SA Premier and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science:

鈥淕iven its increasing importance in our society and economy, AI must use algorithms, guidelines, systems and case studies that promote human values and trust.聽

鈥淭he Responsible AI Research Centre will have national and international impact and reinforces South Australia鈥檚 reputation as a recognised leader in arti铿乧ial intelligence research.聽

鈥淥ur investment of $5 million to establish the RAIR Centre is in addition to $6 million in State Government funding already committed to AIML earlier this year, which builds on its considerable success supporting businesses to develop AI-enabled products and services, automate processes and improve productivity.鈥

Quotes attributable to Professor Peter H酶j AC, Vice-Chancellor and President of the 成人大片:

鈥淭he 成人大片鈥檚 experts are at the forefront of research that helps find solutions to many of society鈥檚 challenges.

鈥淥ur researchers from the University鈥檚 Australian Institute for Machine Learning will collaborate with experts from the CSIRO and the South Australian Government to apply the latest techniques in artificial intelligence.

鈥淭heir work will be of direct benefit to people鈥檚 lives by improving how AI is used.鈥

Quotes attributable to Professor Simon Lucey, Interim Director, RAIR, and Director, AIML, 成人大片:

鈥淲e are excited to launch this valuable new initiative and to continue AIML's tradition of being at the forefront of AI research impact.

鈥淎I is already having a significant impact on the lives of Australians. There are, however, sectors that have not previously benefited from AI due to concerns about safety and reliability. Safeguards alone are not enough; we also need innovation.

"RAIR鈥檚 establishment will combine AIML's expertise with CSIRO鈥檚 Data61 and the Government of South Australia to generate innovative AI that can be deployed in a safe and reliable manner. Our research will have a national and global impact as we strive for AI solutions that will enhance the lives of everyday Australians.

鈥淩AIR will position Australia as a world leader in responsible AI research, opening up new avenues for investment and economic opportunity.鈥

Quotes attributable to Professor Elanor Huntington, Executive Director, Digital, National Facilities and Collections at CSIRO:

鈥淭his centre will bring together expertise from two of the country鈥檚 leading responsible AI research institutions to collaboratively tackle some of the most pressing grand challenges of our time.聽

鈥淩esponsible AI is an emerging field; this centre shows Australia鈥檚 very real commitment to strong global leadership in the development of innovative technologies for deploying AI.鈥澛

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