This is the aim of a new AI research centre launched today, supported by the Department of State Development.
Located at Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen, the University of Adelaide’s Responsible AI Research Centre (RAIR Centre) will engage in cutting-edge research to inform organisations’ transparent and ethical adoption of AI technologies.
Building on the Australian Institute for Machine Learning’s (AIML) existing global leadership in AI research, the RAIR Centre will focus on four key research themes:
- Tackling misinformation: developing methods that enable attribution of trusted data sources to AI-generated content in order to avoid misinformation and misuse.
- 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.
- Diverse AI: developing AI systems that can accurately assess their own knowledge limitations and reliably express uncertainty, helping to reduce AI ‘hallucinations’.
- AI that can explain its actions: developing AI that understands cause-and-effect relationships, beyond correlations, particularly in complex and dynamic environments.
Backed by an initial $20 million investment from CSIRO, the South Australian Government and the University of Adelaide, the RAIR Centre aims to accelerate productivity and tech adoption.
Professor Simon Lucey, Director of AIML and interim Director of the RAIR Centre, said the University of Adelaide is excited to launch this valuable new initiative and to continue AIML's tradition of being at the forefront of AI research impact.
“AI is already having a significant impact on the lives of Australians,” he said.
“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’s establishment will combine AIML's expertise with CSIRO’s 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.
“RAIR will position Australia as a world leader in responsible AI research, opening up new avenues for investment and economic opportunity.”
It is anticipated that the RAIR Centre will be fully operational by early 2025.
