Exploring the Science and Technology of Spoken Language Processing
Summary
Sydney is preparing to host the Interspeech 2026 Conference, a significant global event in the field of spoken language processing. This undertaking is supported by Business Events Sydney (BESydney), which has over 50 years of experience in conference planning and support. The bid for hosting the conference was led by Associate Professor Michael Proctor of Macquarie University, in collaboration with other academic leaders from the University of New South Wales. Interspeech, known for its interdisciplinary focus, will feature an array of scientific discussions and will attract around 1,200 global participants. The primary goal of bringing Interspeech to Sydney is to highlight the multilingual diversity of Australasia and draw attention to under-researched languages.
Astraea’s Insight
The decision to host Interspeech 2026 in Sydney represents a strategic move to elevate Australasian perspectives within the global speech science community. By emphasizing multilingualism and the diversity of languages, the conference seeks to address under-resourced languages, which could lead to significant advancements in speech technology for these language groups. This move not only enhances Australasia’s profile in the international scientific community but also underscores the importance of inclusivity in speech research. BESydney’s support is pivotal in achieving the successful organization of such a landmark event, underscoring the role of strong leadership and collaborative efforts in hosting international academic conferences.
What to Look Out for When Acquiring AI Systems
Summary
The IEEE Standards Association has been developing the IEEE 3119-2025 standard, aimed at guiding procurement teams in acquiring artificial intelligence and automated decision systems, particularly in high-risk areas like education, health, and employment. Developed over three years, the standard includes processes for problem definition, vendor evaluation, solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract monitoring. Following feedback from a European Union agency, a sixth process, solicitation preparation, was added to support transparent AI-specific solicitations. It enables procurement teams to adapt to emerging regulatory environments and ensure responsible AI system choices, incorporating robust data requirements and questions regarding AI governance maturity. IEEE standards, along with those from the International Organization for Standardization, provide foundational guidelines for AI management, ethics, and life-cycle management.
Astraea’s Insight
The introduction of the IEEE 3119-2025 standard reflects a growing global emphasis on regulating and standardizing the procurement of AI and automated decision systems, especially in high-risk domains where ethical and operational risks are paramount. The addition of the solicitation preparation process highlights a strategic approach to align procurement practices with dynamically evolving regulatory landscapes. This suggests an increasing need for adaptive procurement frameworks that address emerging challenges in AI governance, transparency, and ethical implementation. As regulatory environments continue to evolve, procurement strategies like these will be essential in ensuring AI systems are acquired and utilized responsibly. Additionally, the collaboration with European agencies indicates a trend towards international cooperation in setting AI standards, which could lead to more harmonized global policies in AI procurement and governance.