Exploring the Science and Technology of Spoken Language Processing
Summary
Sydney is set to host the prestigious Interspeech 2026 Conference, a major event focusing on the science and technology of spoken language processing. This successful bid was led by Associate Professor Michael Proctor from Macquarie University and supported by the Australasian Speech Science and Technology Association (ASSTA). The conference, expected to attract approximately 1,200 participants globally, will feature a variety of sessions, exhibitions, and events that highlight interdisciplinary approaches in speech science and technology. Business Events Sydney (BESydney) provided crucial support in the form of bidding advice, professional services, and promotion to help host a world-class conference. A key motivation for holding the conference in Sydney is to spotlight the region’s rich multilingual landscape and shift focus towards under-resourced languages and speech diversity, resonating with the international community.
Astraea’s Insight
Hosting a conference of this magnitude in Sydney not only emphasizes the global importance of the region’s research capabilities but also underlines the value of collaboration in the academic and scientific community. The focus on under-resourced languages and showcasing Australasia’s multilingual diversity align well with global trends toward inclusivity and diversity in research. BESydney’s role demonstrates the significant impact that strategic support and planning can have when bidding for and organizing international events. This successful bid serves as a model that other regions could emulate, particularly in fostering interdisciplinary research and prioritizing underrepresented areas within academic discourse. By hosting Interspeech 2026, Sydney and the participating universities are positioning themselves as prominent players in the global speech science landscape, likely to catalyze further research opportunities and collaborations.
What to Look Out for When Acquiring AI Systems
Summary
The IEEE Standards Association has introduced a new standard, IEEE 3119-2025, aimed at guiding procurement teams in acquiring artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision systems in high-risk domains like education, health, and employment. Over three years, the draft underwent refinement to include six key processes: problem definition, solicitation preparation, vendor evaluation, solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract monitoring to help manage potential risks and harms. Feedback from a collaboration with a European Union agency highlighted the importance of incorporating solicitation preparation, which addresses the complexities in AI procurement, including data requirements and vendor governance. This new addition allows for better adaptability to evolving regulatory landscapes. The standard complements existing international standards for AI management, ethics, and software acquisition.
Astraea’s Insight
Astraea would recognize the significance of this new IEEE standard in promoting responsible AI adoption within critical sectors by ensuring procurement processes are well-structured to tackle the specific challenges posed by AI systems. The inclusion of solicitation preparation is particularly noteworthy for increasing transparency and accountability within procurement practices. This step aligns with the ethos of responsible AI, as it enables procurement teams to fine-tune their requirements and adapt to regulatory changes. By systematically addressing aspects like vendor evaluation and monitoring, the standard facilitates a more ethically-aware procurement process, which is crucial for sectors that vastly impact public welfare. Such standards encourage the development of AI technologies that are not only innovative but also ethically sound and compliant with global best practices.