Doctoral researchers and academics linked to two Centres of Doctoral Training (CDT) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science came together to share ideas at the 2022 Artificial Intelligence Conference.
The free two-day event, at Swansea University’s Computational Foundry, was attended by doctoral researchers, supervisors, Research Council and commercial partners associated with the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) CDT in AI, Machine Learning and Advanced Computing (AIMLAC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) CDT in Data-Intensive Science.
Also in attendance were researchers linked to the CDT's partner universities, including Swansea University, Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Bristol University and Cardiff University.
External partners were represented, with speakers from Amplyfi, Elzware, Mobileum, Oracle and Welsh Water.
The conference allowed attendees to learn about the latest work in AI under three key themes:
- The future of AI;
- Applications of AI; and
- Impact of AI.
The programme included an afternoon devoted to the Wales Data Nation Accelerator (WDNA), introduced by the project lead, Cardiff University's Professor Roger Whitaker, and incorporated an Alan Turing Institute networking session on extending AI and data capabilities.
The conference also welcomed five visitors from Seoul, South Korea, as part of an exchange programme on AI and machine learning in fundamental science, funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea, the British Embassy Seoul, and the UK Science & Innovation Network.
As part of the CDT training programme, doctoral researchers were invited to co-organise the conference, helping them to develop their organisational and leadership skills.
One of the student organisers, Swansea University's Tonicha Crook, said: "Getting to learn about what goes on behind the scenes of a conference like this was a fantastic opportunity.
"It's rewarding to know that everything ran smoothly, and I am grateful for the experience, which included the chance to chair a session!"
Fellow Swansea University student organiser Tabitha Lewis, added: "Being a part of the organising team has been such a unique and positive experience.
"Not only did it help me develop my skills, but witnessing attendees enjoying the event, made all the hard work worth it.
"I hope this is the first of many AIMLAC conferences to come!"
Professor Gert Aarts, Director of the AIMLAC CDT, said: "After postponing the original conference in 2020 due to the pandemic, I am delighted that we were finally able to bring together so many people face-to-face, allowing for stimulating discussion and networking opportunities.
"We all look forward to further developing new initiatives that have emerged from the conference."
More information on the conference, including the official programme, can be found on the AIMLAC website.