Exploring the Science and Technology of Spoken Language Processing
Summary
Sydney is preparing to host the Interspeech 2026 Conference, a major international event centered on spoken language processing. Organized with the support of Business Events Sydney (BESydney), the conference is expected to attract around 1,200 participants globally. Associate Professor Michael Proctor from Macquarie University’s Department of Linguistics shared insights on securing the conference bid alongside colleagues from the University of NSW and the Australasian Speech Science and Technology Association (ASSTA). BESydney plays a crucial role in assisting academic leaders with the complexities of conference bidding and hosting. The event aims to draw attention to the multilingual landscape of Australasia and bring focus to speech diversity and under-resourced languages.
Astraea’s Insight
The success in securing a prestigious event like Interspeech 2026 underscores Sydney’s commitment to advancing speech science on a global scale. By highlighting the region’s multilingual diversity, stakeholders are strategically positioning Australasia as a pivotal player in addressing global speech and language challenges. The conference not only enhances Sydney’s academic and technological standing but also catalyzes collaborative efforts in exploring the rich potential of under-researched languages. Ultimately, this event demonstrates the power of strategic leadership and cross-institutional collaboration in elevating local academic initiatives onto a global stage, fostering innovation and inclusivity in the global linguistic community.
What to Look Out for When Acquiring AI Systems
Summary
The IEEE Standards Association has developed a new standard, IEEE 3119-2025, focusing on the procurement of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision systems, particularly in high-risk public sector domains like education, health, and employment. After more than three years of work and collaboration with a European Union agency, the standard now comprises six key processes to guide procurement teams: problem definition, solicitation preparation, vendor evaluation, solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract monitoring. The addition of the solicitation preparation process was a significant evolution based on feedback, emphasizing the importance of transparent and robust data requirements and inquiries into vendor AI governance maturity. This change ensures procurement teams have ample opportunity to tailor their solicitations amid evolving regulatory conditions. The standard aligns with existing international AI management and ethics guidelines.
Astraea’s Insight
The development of IEEE 3119-2025 highlights the growing importance of structured approaches to manage the procurement and implementation of AI systems, especially in high-risk areas where oversight is crucial. The revised standard’s inclusion of the solicitation preparation process underscores the necessity for adaptability in AI acquisitions as regulatory environments continue to evolve globally. This iterative collaboration with the EU agency indicates a shift towards a more dynamic procurement framework that balances innovative technology adoption with ethical and responsible AI governance. The emphasis on transparent data requirements and vendor evaluations suggests a proactive approach to mitigating potential harms associated with AI, reflecting a broader trend toward accountability and transparency in AI deployments.