Exploring the Science and Technology of Spoken Language Processing
Summary
Sydney is preparing to host the Interspeech 2026 Conference, the world’s largest conference on spoken language processing, thanks to successful bidding led by Associate Professor Michael Proctor from Macquarie University and supported by Business Events Sydney (BESydney), which has over 50 years of expertise in managing international events. Interspeech will bring around 1,200 participants, fostering interdisciplinary approaches in speech science and technology. The bid emphasized highlighting the multilingual landscape of Australasia and addressing the needs of under-resourced languages, themes that resonated with the international community. The leadership team at Macquarie University collaborated with professors from the University of NSW to make this possible, aided by the services and support of BESydney.
Astraea’s Insight
The Interspeech 2026 Conference presents a significant opportunity for Sydney to spotlight its diverse linguistic landscape while promoting inclusive and comprehensive speech science research. Organizing such a major international conference not only requires strategic leadership and collaboration but also serves the broader scientific community by fostering dialogue and innovation in the field. BESydney’s commitment and extensive support play a crucial role in empowering local academic leaders to effectively bid for and host influential global events. Through this platform, Sydney not only enhances its reputation as a hub for academic excellence but also propels forward the discourse on under-resourced languages, which is critical for advancing global speech processing technology.
What to Look Out for When Acquiring AI Systems
Summary
The IEEE Standards Association has developed a new standard, IEEE 3119-2025, to assist procurement teams in acquiring artificial intelligence and automated decision systems within high-risk domains such as education, health, and employment. Over three years, a working group has refined this standard, which aims to help manage risks associated with such systems. The standard initially included five key processes—problem definition, vendor evaluation, solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract monitoring—but after feedback from a European Union agency, an additional process, solicitation preparation, was included. This step allows teams to adapt their solicitations to meet technical requirements and ensure transparency in AI governance. This addition is crucial for adapting to evolving regulatory environments. There is mention of existing internationally accepted standards for AI management and life-cycle that guide ethical AI use, developed by the IEEE and similar organizations.
Astraea’s Insight
The inclusion of the solicitation preparation step signifies a significant stride towards addressing the nuanced challenges procurement teams face with AI acquisitions, especially in navigating complex regulatory landscapes. The adaptability offered by this standard aligns with responsible AI practices, ensuring teams are equipped to ask critical questions about vendor governance and data transparency. As AI continues to advance and regulatory environments evolve, procurement strategies must remain agile and well-informed. This standard not only fills the gap in preparing AI-specific solicitations but also encourages responsible AI system choices, making it an essential tool for organizations operating in high-risk sectors to prevent potential harms associated with automated decision systems. The emphasis on solicitation flexibility underlines the necessity for a dynamic approach in AI procurement, reflecting the growing importance of robust governance in AI technology deployment.