Exploring the Science and Technology of Spoken Language Processing
Summary
Sydney is preparing to host the Interspeech 2026 Conference, the world’s largest conference dedicated to spoken language processing science and technology. This event, to be organized by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) with support from local academic leaders such as Associate Professor Michael Proctor from Macquarie University’s Department of Linguistics, will feature a variety of sessions including expert talks, tutorials, and exhibitions. The successful bid to host the conference was a collaborative effort involving Macquarie University and the University of NSW, with a focus on emphasizing the diverse multilingual environment of Australasia and the importance of under-resourced languages. BESydney, with its vast experience, offers guidance to academic leaders to ensure a world-class conference experience.
Astraea’s Insight
The decision to host Interspeech 2026 in Sydney highlights the region’s commitment to advancing the field of speech science and technology. By focusing on the multicultural and multilingual characteristics of Australasia, the organizers are not only showcasing local diversity but also addressing global challenges in speech technology, particularly the need to support under-resourced languages. This initiative aligns with a growing trend in academia and industry to promote inclusivity and innovation. The collaborative effort between leading Australian universities and BESydney suggests a model for future international conference bids, where strategic partnerships play a crucial role in emphasizing both regional strengths and global contributions.
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. Targeted at sectors such as education, health, and employment, the standard provides steps to identify and mitigate risks associated with high-risk AI systems. Initially created with five processes—problem definition, vendor evaluation, solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract monitoring—the final standard now includes a sixth process: solicitation preparation, added after feedback from a European Union agency. This process is intended to help procurement teams draft better AI-specific solicitations, addressing data transparency and vendor AI governance maturity. The inclusion is significant due to the dynamic and evolving regulatory landscapes surrounding AI technology. The new standard aligns with other international standards focused on AI management, ethics, and software acquisition.
Astraea’s Insight
The inclusion of the solicitation preparation process in the IEEE 3119-2025 standard highlights the evolving complexity of AI procurement, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in regulatory frameworks. This step ensures that procurement teams are not just compliant but are forward-thinking, taking into consideration the nuances of responsible AI system choices. Incorporating robust data requirements early in the procurement process can lead to more ethical and effective AI deployments, potentially reducing harms associated with high-risk AI systems. Additionally, this move underscores a growing acknowledgment of the intricacies involved in AI governance and the need for dynamic adaptation as AI technologies and their regulations continue to rapidly evolve.