The new centre will be based at the Lot Fourteen business and technology precinct in Adelaide.

“Responsible AI is the practice of developing and using AI systems in a way that provides benefits to individuals, groups, and the wider society while minimising the risk of negative consequences. Given their increasing importance in our society and economy, AI systems must be trusted to ‘behave’ and make ‘decisions’ in a responsible manner,” the University of Adelaide and the CSIRO note.

“RAIR will bring AIML’s world-class researchers in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) together with scientific experts from CSIRO with support from the South Australian Government, and research conducted at RAIR will explore four key themes:

• Tackling misinformation: developing methods that enable attribution of trusted data sources to AI-generated content in order to avoid misinformation and misuse.
• Safe AI in the Real World: exploring the foundational science questions that underpin how AI interacts with the physical world, linking to areas including robotics.
• Diverse AI: developing AI systems that can accurately assess their own knowledge limitations and reliably express uncertainty, helping to reduce AI hallucinations.
• AI that can explain its actions: developing AI that understands cause-and-effect relationships, beyond correlations, particularly in complex and dynamic environments.

RAIR represents AIML’s third significant AI initiative this year alone. In September, the Institute announced the establishment of the CommBank Centre for Foundational AI Research, in partnership with Commonwealth Bank, and AIML’s Industrial AI program, which supports the development of core industrial AI capability in South Australia and across the nation in a range of sectors. In total, the three initiatives represent more than $33 million in investment in AI research at AIML.

Susan Close MP, Deputy SA Premier and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science:
“Given its increasing importance in our society and economy, AI must use algorithms, guidelines, systems and case studies that promote human values and trust.
“The Responsible AI Research Centre will have national and international impact and reinforces South Australia’s reputation as a recognised leader in artificial intelligence research.
“Our investment of $5 million to establish the RAIR Centre is in addition to $6 million in State Government funding already committed to AIML earlier this year, which builds on its considerable success supporting businesses to develop AI-enabled products and services, automate processes and improve productivity.”

Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Adelaide:
“The University of Adelaide’s experts are at the forefront of research that helps find solutions to many of society’s challenges.
“Our researchers from the University’s Australian Institute for Machine Learning will collaborate with experts from the CSIRO and the South Australian Government to apply the latest techniques in artificial intelligence.
“Their work will be of direct benefit to people’s lives by improving how AI is used.”

Professor Simon Lucey, Interim Director, RAIR, and Director, AIML, University of Adelaide:
“We are excited to launch this valuable new initiative and to continue AIML's tradition of being at the forefront of AI research impact.
“AI is already having a significant impact on the lives of Australians. There are, however, sectors that have not previously benefited from AI due to concerns about safety and reliability. Safeguards alone are not enough; we also need innovation.
"RAIR’s establishment will combine AIML's expertise with CSIRO’s Data61 and the Government of South Australia to generate innovative AI that can be deployed in a safe and reliable manner. Our research will have a national and global impact as we strive for AI solutions that will enhance the lives of everyday Australians.
“RAIR will position Australia as a world leader in responsible AI research, opening up new avenues for investment and economic opportunity.”

Professor Elanor Huntington, Executive Director, Digital, National Facilities and Collections at CSIRO:
“This centre will bring together expertise from two of the country’s leading responsible AI research institutions to collaboratively tackle some of the most pressing grand challenges of our time.
“Responsible AI is an emerging field; this centre shows Australia’s very real commitment to strong global leadership in the development of innovative technologies for deploying AI.”