Insight Centre for Data Analytics becomes the first Irish Member of the Partnership on Artificial Intelligence

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton TD, has announced that the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics has become Ireland’s first member of the Partnership on Artificial Intelligence.

The Partnership on AI (PAI) was established to study and formulate best practices on AI technologies, to advance the public’s understanding of AI, and to serve as an open platform for discussion about AI and its influences on people and society. PAI is a global multi-stakeholder organisation initiated by research scientists, bringing together civil society groups, academics and the world’s leading AI companies focused on defining and determining a positive AI future.

New members participate in the Working Groups that have been launched to date. As PAI further evolves its work, it continues to extend membership to organisations representing diverse viewpoints and geographies in an effort to build a globally-representative stakeholder community.

Speaking from a Science Foundation Ireland event at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, Minister Bruton said: “This is an important recognition of the quality of Irish research in this field. Artificial Intelligence and big data are already changing how we live and work. They will become major transformative forces in the years ahead. PAI membership helps us to mould this power into channels which enhance the wellbeing of all our people.”

Prof Mark Ferguson, Director General, Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland, said: “Ireland’s reputation in artificial intelligence and machine learning continues to go from strength to strength. I am delighted that through the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics we now have Irish membership of this high-level international platform. This announcement reinforces Ireland’s international reputation for research excellence.”

Partnership on AI Director of Partnerships, Julia Rhodes Davis, said: “To maximise the opportunities and identify the risks of AI, we need to bring together those that build AI technology with those that will be affected by it. The Partnership on AI is assembling a one-of-a-kind community of diverse, global voices to study and formulate best practices on AI technologies, to advance the public’s understanding of AI, and to serve as an open platform for debate about AI and its impact on people and society. We are proud to welcome the Insight Centre for Data Analytics as a new partner as we continue our work towards these goals.”

As a founding Director of the Insight Centre for Data Analytics and PAI representative, Professor Barry O’Sullivan said: “Insight is delighted to join the Partnership on AI. The impacts of AI will be more far-reaching than any other technology we have seen to date. The socioeconomic challenges are significant and deserve a multi-stakeholder alliance-based approach. This is what is so unique and exciting about the Partnership on AI. Insight has a long-standing world-class scientific reputation in AI and takes its responsibilities in terms of appropriate policy and ethical development very seriously. We really look forward to working with the PAI.”