In the rapidly evolving world of AI, staying informed is essential. As we move into 2025, ADAPT continues its commitment to fostering understanding and conversation about the future of technology with our podcast series, ADAPT Radio: HumanAIse. While we prepare to release new episodes in 2025, take a moment to explore our 2024 series, where we shared expert insights on the latest AI breakthroughs and examined the ethical considerations shaping this transformative field. This series offers a thought-provoking look at the forces reshaping our world.
A New Direction with Professor John Kelleher
The rapid evolution of AI marks an exciting era for research in Ireland. Professor John Kelleher, the new director of ADAPT, the SFI Research Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, shares his vision for the centre. He discusses the latest advancements in AI, his leadership plans, and the importance of fostering multidisciplinary research to prepare for the future.
Exploring Whether AI is a Threat to Translators
AI is rapidly advancing in translation, with large language models improving in capturing the nuances of human speech. But should human translators be concerned? Professor Andy Way, previous deputy director of the ADAPT Centre and a leading expert in machine translation for over 35 years, explores the strengths and limitations of AI translation and why its impact might be overestimated.
Protecting Minority Languages with AI
The Irish language, a vital part of Ireland’s culture, faces challenges as a minority language. AI offers new opportunities to support and preserve it. ADAPT experts Dr. Abigail Walsh and Gráinne Caulfield discuss using AI tools like natural language processing to enhance Irish language accessibility, the role of diverse data in translation systems, and efforts to protect minority languages.
Artistic Approaches to Ethical AI
This episode explores innovative approaches to the ethics of AI and digital technologies with ADAPT experts Dr. Marguerite Barry and Dr. Paul O’Neill from UCD. They discuss embedding ethics in AI design, using creative methods like Paul’s Dublin Infrastructure Tour to engage critically with technology, and their work at the Beta Festival’s “Ethics Studio.” Topics include interdisciplinary research, supporting organisations like Tactical Tech, and empowering public engagement to advocate for thoughtful regulation and balance between automation and human connection in public services.
Amplifying Voices in History
AI is transforming how we understand the past, revealing untold stories that shape our view of history. The VOICES project, launched this year at Trinity College Dublin, uses AI to uncover women’s experiences of trauma and civil war in early modern Ireland. In this episode, we hear from project leaders, Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, Erasmus Smith’s Professor of Modern History, and Professor Declan O’Sullivan from the School of Computer Science and Statistics.
AI Accountability
In this special guest episode, we hear from Abeba Birhane, Senior Advisor for AI Accountability at Mozilla. Recorded at ADAPT’s Annual Scientific Conference 2024 in Dublin, Abeba discusses the dangers of large-scale datasets in AI, including AI hallucinations and the reinforcement of societal biases. She also explores strategies for both incremental improvements and broader structural changes to make AI more accountable and ethical.
Geopolitics: AI Disruption and Regulation
In this guest episode recorded at our annual ADVANCE event this year, Dragoș Tudorache, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Age, discusses the AI Act, the first-ever legal framework on AI. He explores the challenges regulators face in adapting to rapidly evolving technology and the EU’s role as a global leader in AI governance. Dragoș explains the balance between fostering innovation and protecting society, and why the EU’s approach could give it a competitive edge in the global AI race.
Breaking Barriers with Sign Language Translation
In our digital world, online accessibility remains a challenge for minority communities like the deaf and hard of hearing. In this episode, we explore the barriers in sign language translation and the work of the SignON Project, a European initiative to make digital spaces more inclusive. Our experts include Dr. Dimitar Shterionov, scientific lead from Tilburg University, and Davy Van Landuyt, Project Officer with the European Union of the Deaf; with guest interpreter Romy O’Callaghan. This podcast is available in both audio and video formats, with international sign language included in the video version.
Combating Deep Fakes in Elections
With the rise of deep fakes and disinformation, it’s crucial to critically evaluate online content, especially during major world events. In this episode, ADAPT Centre researcher and Trinity College Dublin PhD graduate Dipto Barman discusses combating deep fakes during elections, improving media literacy, and exploring the positive uses of this technology.
AI Assisted Home Healthcare
Voice-activated technology, familiar in devices like smart speakers, has transformative potential, especially in healthcare. In this episode, learn about Amethyst Care, a voice technology companion designed to support people with mobility-related illnesses. It assists with medication reminders, activity tracking, and event notifications, enabling independent living at home. Founder Rebecca McManus shares how her personal caregiving experience inspired this innovative solution.
AI Policies To Prevent Inequality
AI is transforming society, but it brings risks of entrenching inequalities and harm if left unchecked. In this episode, hear from two experts who are a part of a brand new research group that is working to keep AI accountable. The AI Accountability Lab focuses on critical issues across broad topics such as the examination of opaque technological ecologies and the execution of audits on specific models and training datasets.
ADAPT Radio: HumanAIse is ADAPT’s newest podcast series providing an in-depth look at the future of AI, automation and the implications of entrusting machines with our most sensitive information and decisions.
Adapt Radio is produced by DustPod.io for the Adapt Centre
Get ready for an exciting new series launching in January 2025.
