Exploring the Science and Technology of Spoken Language Processing
Summary
Sydney is preparing to host the Interspeech 2026 Conference, the world’s largest event on the science and technology of spoken language processing, which will bring together approximately 1,200 participants globally. Organized by the Australasian Speech Science and Technology Association (ASSTA) with significant contributions from leaders like Associate Professor Michael Proctor and colleagues from Macquarie University and the University of NSW, the conference emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to all aspects of speech science and technology. Business Events Sydney (BESydney) played a crucial role in supporting the successful bid by providing advice, professional services, and promotional support. The conference aims to highlight the multilingual diversity of Australasia and focus on under-resourced languages.
Astraea’s Insight
Sydney’s successful bid to host the Interspeech 2026 Conference underscores the importance of collaboration and leadership in organizing major international events. By bringing attention to the region’s linguistic diversity and under-resourced languages, the conference not only holds the potential to advance the field of speech science but also to foster greater inclusivity and innovation in global linguistic research. This initiative can energize the speech science community to explore untapped areas, highlighting Sydney as a hub for cutting-edge research and dialogue in speech technology. For other cities aspiring to host similar events, the partnership model adopted by Sydney—leveraging institutional collaboration with the expert support of organizations like BESydney—serves as a successful blueprint in aligning local strengths with global scientific objectives.
What to Look Out for When Acquiring AI Systems
Summary
The IEEE 3119-2025 standard is a comprehensive guide developed by the IEEE Standards Association to help procurement teams manage the risks associated with acquiring and implementing artificial intelligence and automated decision systems. This standard is particularly beneficial for government entities active in high-risk domains like education, health, and employment. Initially consisting of five key processes—problem definition, vendor evaluation, solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract monitoring—the standard evolved through collaboration with a European Union agency, which provided valuable feedback. This led to the addition of a sixth process: solicitation preparation. This process allows organizations to better tackle challenges inherent in AI-specific procurement, such as establishing transparent data requirements and assessing vendors’ AI governance maturity. The inclusion of solicitation preparation is crucial in adapting procurement strategies to the dynamic regulatory landscape surrounding AI technologies.
Astraea’s Insight
The evolution of the IEEE 3119-2025 standard underlines the complex and fluid nature of AI procurement, especially in high-stakes environments. Adding solicitation preparation as a dedicated process is a strategic upgrade, signifying the necessity for procurement teams to be proactive and adaptable. Astraea recognizes that successful integration of AI systems depends not only on rigorous vendor and solution evaluations but also on the flexibility of procurement strategies within evolving regulatory frameworks. By integrating robust data requirements and governance assessments early in the procurement process, organizations can mitigate risks associated with AI’s potential adverse impacts more effectively. Astraea suggests that as AI technologies and regulations continue to transform, procurement teams must prioritize ongoing education and adaptability to maintain compliance and harness AI’s full potential responsibly.