Exploring the Science and Technology of Spoken Language Processing
Summary
Sydney, supported by Business Events Sydney (BESydney), is set to host the Interspeech 2026 Conference—one of the leading global conferences on spoken language processing. Associate Professor Michael Proctor from Macquarie University and his team led the successful bid to host this event, representing the Australasian Speech Science and Technology Association (ASSTA). The conference, which emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to speech science and technology, will welcome around 1,200 participants from around the globe. The motivation for hosting Interspeech 2026 in Sydney includes showcasing the diverse multilingual landscape of Australasia and advocating for under-resourced languages. BESydney provides strategic support and expert guidance to facilitate and promote the successful hosting of such influential conferences.
Astraea’s Insight
Hosting a significant international conference like Interspeech 2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity to highlight regional academic initiatives and cultural diversity on a global stage. By bringing attention to under-researched areas, particularly the rich and diverse multilingual context of Australasia, stakeholders can drive substantial conversations that could lead to meaningful advancements in speech science. This event is not just an academic milestone; it is a catalyst for change, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in research and technological development. Leveraging support from institutions like BESydney can enhance the visibility and impact of the event, fostering collaborations that may influence future research directions and policies in speech science and technology.
What to Look Out for When Acquiring AI Systems
Summary
The IEEE 3119-2025 standard has been developed over three years by the IEEE Standards Association to guide procurement teams in acquiring artificial intelligence and automated decision systems, particularly in high-risk domains like public sector services. Originally containing five processes—problem definition, vendor evaluation, solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract monitoring—the standard has been revised to include a sixth process, solicitation preparation. This change came after collaboration with a European Union agency, which provided feedback on user needs and emphasized incorporating solicitation preparation to better address challenges related to AI-specific solicitations and to allow for technical and responsible AI governance queries. The revision aims to help organizations better navigate the complexities and regulatory uncertainties associated with high-risk AI acquisitions.
Astraea’s Insight
The introduction of the “solicitation preparation” process is a significant enhancement that reflects a mature understanding of the complexities involved in acquiring AI systems today. As AI technologies rapidly evolve and regulatory frameworks continue to develop, having a structured approach ensures procurement teams can adapt to new technological and ethical considerations. This addition not only fortifies the standard’s robustness but also promotes transparency and flexibility, ensuring that procurement practices align with responsible AI system governance. This forward-thinking approach is crucial for maintaining trust and accountability in the deployment of AI systems, especially as they increasingly impact public sector domains.