ADAPT had a transformative year in 2024, marked by a wide range of impactful initiatives, strategic collaborations, and groundbreaking research. These highlights showcase ADAPT’s ongoing commitment to advancing AI research, addressing societal challenges, and reinforcing Ireland’s position as a global technology leader.
A major milestone was the appointment of internationally renowned Professor John Kelleher as the new Director of ADAPT. His expertise in AI and natural language processing (NLP) promises to further enhance Trinity College Dublin’s leadership in the ICT sector and provide strategic direction to ADAPT’s research efforts.
In recognition of its growing influence, ADAPT spinout ai mapit was listed among Ireland’s Top 100 Most Ambitious Companies for 2024 by Spark Crowdfunding. This accolade underscores the centre’s role in nurturing innovative AI-driven startups. Additionally, ADAPT celebrated Professor Dave Lewis’s receipt of the NSAI Excellence in Standards Award for his contributions to data governance and AI standards, further solidifying the centre’s reputation as a leader in the field.
ADAPT’s collaboration with Huawei earned the prestigious Emerging Technology Innovation of the Year Award at the 2024 Tech Excellence Awards, recognising the team’s pioneering efforts in making database content more accessible and revolutionising data management through artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, the SignON project, led by ADAPT co-founder Professor Andy Way, won the Most Innovative Transformation Award at the Digital Transformation Awards 2024 for its contributions to accessibility and inclusion and the Societal Impact Award at the Analytics and AI Awards.
Research from ADAPT also garnered attention internationally. Dr. Deirdre Murray, a leading figure in ALS/MND research with the Precision ALS project, received the Allied Health Professional Award for her work enhancing the quality of life for individuals with ALS/MND, recognised by the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations. In another recognition of ADAPT’s commitment to public welfare, the Smart D8 initiative, which aims to improve health and wellness in Dublin 8, won the Innovation in Public Administration Award at the European Public Sector Awards 2023-24.
The Centre’s influence extends to educational outreach as well. ADAPT’s “AI in My Life” programme, aimed at teaching young people about AI, privacy, and ethics, has now been integrated into the UCD Centre for Cyber Resilience Education’s Cyberwise initiative, empowering students aged 12 to 16 to explore these critical topics. In a further educational initiative, ADAPT researchers are also leading discussions on the societal impact of facial recognition technology, bringing together citizens for thought-provoking debates at the Beta Festival. Initiatives to drive AI literacy have also been a focus this year with one initiative in collaboration with Google Ireland, providing educators with the tools and knowledge needed to teach AI concepts and guide students in using AI technologies critically and responsibly.
ADAPT’s work also supports significant European projects. The centre is a key partner in ATHENA, a Horizon Europe project focused on combating disinformation, and the VIGILANT project, which aids law enforcement in addressing mis- and disinformation, and has received widespread recognition across EU platforms.
ADAPT received strong support from the Government throughout the year. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Patrick O’Donovan, opened the annual ADVANCE industry conference in June that saw prominent MEP, Dragos Tudorache, deliver a compelling keynote address offering an inside perspective on Europe’s position in the global AI landscape and the EU AI Act. Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD, launched ADAPT’s Impact Report showcasing major contributions of ADAPT’s AI-Driven research of over €1.1 billion to Ireland’s economy and society.
Addressing global challenges in AI regulation and safety, ADAPT signed an MOU with the University of Pittsburgh to collaborate on AI research and education addressing critical issues such as bias, discrimination, and misinformation, as well as exploring the role of AI regulation, cyber hygiene, digital literacy, and the safeguarding of fundamental rights. In December, ADAPT launched a new AI Accountability Lab. Led by Dr Abeba Birhane, the Lab will leverage empirical evidence to inform evidence-driven policies; challenge and dismantle harmful technologies; hold responsible bodies accountable for adverse consequences of their technology; and pave the way for a future marked by just and equitable AI.
The Centre also celebrated a number of new spin outs throughout the year. One new startup, Amethyst Care, focused on using AI to improve the quality of life for people with mobility-related illnesses, securing significant funding through the Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund Programme to bring this technology to market.
Lastly, ADAPT’s innovative work in digital inclusion continues to thrive. DigiAcademy, a start-up supported by ADAPT, has secured funding from SOLAS to enhance its e-learning platform, which is designed to empower marginalised learners, particularly those with intellectual disabilities.
These are just a few of the many notable events and achievements from the ADAPT Centre in 2024. For more information on ADAPT’s ongoing research, initiatives, and collaborations, visit our news section on our website.
