AI centre opens to foster trusted AI

A new research centre to tackle the challenges of AI adoption has been launched with the opening of the Adelaide-based Responsible AI Research Centre (RAIR)

Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic officially launched the centre created with the South Australian government.

The RAIR will embark on research that will ensure AI implementation addresses misinformation risks, considers diverse perspectives and can explain its actions.

Backed with an initial $20 million combined investment from CSIRO, the state government and University of Adelaide, RAIR will see experts join forces to focus on building foundational AI models and better understanding how AI works.

The RAIR Centre will explore four key themes:

• Tackling misinformation: developing methods that enable attribution of trusted data sources to AI-generated content 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
• And AI that can explain it’s actions: developing AI that understands cause-and-effect relationships, beyond correlations, particularly in complex and dynamic environments.

The RAIR Centre will be located at Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen innovation precinct and backed by CSIRO’s data and digital specialist arm, Data61 and The University of Adelaide’s Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML).

University of Adelaide Interim RAIR Director and AIML Director Simon Lucey (pictured) said: “AI 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.

“Our research will have a national and global impact as we strive for AI solutions that will enhance the lives of everyday Australians.

“The Centre will position Australia as a world leader in responsible AI research, opening up new avenues for investment and economic opportunity.”

The RAIR Centre is expected to be fully operational in early 2025.

Th Deputy Premier of South Australia Susan Close said: “Given its increasing prominence and importance in our society and economy, AI must use algorithms, guidelines, systems and case studies that promote human values and trust.

“The Responsible AI Research Centre will have national and international impact and reinforces South Australia reputation as a recognised leader in artificial intelligence research.”

Picture: Simon Lucy