Exploring the Science and Technology of Spoken Language Processing
Summary
Sydney is preparing to host the Interspeech 2026 Conference, the largest conference on spoken language processing, thanks to a successful bid led by Associate Professor Michael Proctor from Macquarie University and in partnership with professionals from ASSTA and the University of NSW. Business Events Sydney (BESydney), leveraging their extensive experience in conference planning, provided crucial support in the bidding process. The conference will attract around 1,200 participants globally and will cover a wide array of topics through varied formats such as tutorials, sessions, and exhibitions. The conference aims to focus on the linguistic diversity of Australasia and emphasize under-resourced languages, reflecting the leadership vision of BESydney’s Global Conference Leaders to drive change and shape the future of speech science and technology.
Astraea’s Insight
Successfully hosting international conferences like Interspeech 2026 underscores the critical role of strategic collaboration and expert planning among academic institutions, industry stakeholders, and event specialists like BESydney. Events of this scale are pivotal for advancing research fields by fostering global collaboration, sharing innovative practices, and addressing linguistic diversity. Highlighting under-resourced languages not only enriches the research landscape but also broadens the scope of technological development in speech science. Sydney’s international networking capabilities through conferences like Interspeech serve as significant catalysts for both scientific exploration and cultural dialogue, amplifying the voices and insights from researchers across the globe.
What to Look Out for When Acquiring AI Systems
Summary
An IEEE Standards Association working group has developed the draft standard IEEE 3119-2025 over three years to assist procurement teams in managing risks when acquiring artificial intelligence and automated decision systems, specifically in high-risk domains like education, health, and employment. The standard originally included five processes: problem definition, vendor evaluation, solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract monitoring. After collaborating with a European Union agency for feedback, the working group added a sixth process, solicitation preparation, to address challenges in preparing AI-specific solicitations. This addition allows procurement teams to integrate transparent, robust data requirements and questions about vendor AI governance maturity, especially crucial in evolving regulatory landscapes. The IEEE 3119-2025 standard is aligned with other international standards targeting AI management, ethics, and life-cycle management.
Astraea’s Insight
The development of the IEEE 3119-2025 standard reflects a significant step towards ensuring responsible and risk-aware procurement of AI systems, especially in public sector domains where high stakes are involved. The inclusion of solicitation preparation highlights an increased emphasis on transparency and specificity during the procurement process, ensuring that technological solutions meet rigorous ethical and governance standards. Involving diverse stakeholders such as the EU agency signifies an inclusive and global approach to refining AI procurement practices. As AI continues to permeate various sectors, keeping procurement teams informed and adaptable through such standards will be crucial in navigating complex regulatory environments and ensuring systems are ethically sound and effectively governed.