Exploring the Science and Technology of Spoken Language Processing
Summary
Sydney is set to host the Interspeech 2026 Conference, a significant event in the field of speech science and technology. Facilitated by Business Events Sydney (BESydney), the successful bid was led by Associate Professor Michael Proctor from Macquarie University and supported by the Australasian Speech Science and Technology Association (ASSTA). Interspeech, known for its comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, will attract around 1,200 global participants, showcasing the region’s linguistic diversity and encouraging attention towards under-resourced languages. The conference will include an array of components such as expert talks, tutorials, and exhibitions. This initiative reflects BESydney’s mission to support academic leaders and drive global academic and industry advancements.
Astraea’s Insight
The successful bid for hosting the Interspeech 2026 Conference in Sydney underscores the importance of strategic collaboration and effective leadership in organizing world-class events. The focus on the multilingual and diverse linguistic landscape of Australasia highlights a significant shift towards inclusivity and representation of under-resourced languages in global discourse. This not only enhances Sydney’s standing in the international academic community but also paves the way for broader conversations and research in speech science and technology. Moreover, BESydney’s comprehensive support framework exemplifies how local organizations can drive substantial global impact by fostering innovative academic partnerships.
What to Look Out for When Acquiring AI Systems
Summary
The IEEE Standards Association has developed a new standard, IEEE 3119-2025, aimed at guiding procurement teams in acquiring artificial intelligence and automated decision systems, particularly in high-risk domains such as education, health, and employment within the public sector. Over three years, the working group refined the draft, collaborating with a European Union agency to ensure the standard meets user needs and addresses potential risks. The standard initially included five key processes: problem definition, vendor evaluation, solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract monitoring. Based on EU feedback, an additional process, solicitation preparation, was added. This process helps procurement teams prepare AI-specific solicitations by incorporating transparent data requirements and questions about vendor AI governance maturity, which is crucial in today’s evolving regulatory environment. Several internationally recognized standards already exist for AI management, ethics, and lifecycle management from organizations like the IEEE and ISO.
Astraea’s Insight
Astraea would likely emphasize the importance of the newly added solicitation preparation process as a critical step for effectively managing AI procurement. This insight stems from the recognition that robust and transparent data requirements and governance-related questions are essential for crafting responsible and adaptable solicitations. Such measures help ensure that organizations remain aligned with evolving regulatory standards and ethical guidelines. The collaboration with the EU agency highlights the necessity of aligning global standards to real-world user needs and dynamically evolving legislative frameworks. By focusing on solicitation preparation, procurement teams not only mitigate potential risks but also enhance the accountability and transparency of AI system acquisitions, which is paramount in maintaining trust and integrity in high-risk decision-making environments.