In 2024, the ADAPT Centre continued to be at the forefront of AI research, innovation, and public engagement, hosting a series of impactful events that explored the transformative potential and challenges of artificial intelligence.
One of the most significant milestones for ADAPT this year was the launch of the AI Accountability Lab at Trinity College Dublin in November. Led by Dr. Abeba Birhane, the lab aims to ensure that AI technologies are transparent, just, and accountable, with a particular focus on protecting historically marginalised communities. This initiative marks a crucial step in advancing the ethical development of AI, as the Lab works to address the power imbalances inherent in the use of these technologies.
November was a busy month for ADAPT as researchers from Trinity and the ADAPT Centre, funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, teamed up with CKDelta to tackle key efficiency and sustainability challenges using AI-driven solutions. CKDelta, an AI software business within CKI Innovations Opportunities Development (CKH IOD), part of CK Hutchison Holdings, leverages data, expertise, and intellectual property to enhance business performance.
October saw the launch of the new ‘AI Literacy in the Classroom’ programme which will equip teachers for an AI-driven future. Developed by ADAPT in collaboration with Google Ireland, the initiative will provide educators with the tools and knowledge needed to teach AI concepts and guide students in using AI technologies critically and responsibly. In November, the first cohort of more than seventy post-primary teachers and leaders completed ADAPT’s new ‘AI Literacy in the Classroom’ training workshop at The Foundry, Google Dublin. The workshop, delivered by experts from ADAPT and Dublin City University (DCU), helped boost educators’ AI literacy.
In September, we launched our Impact Report, highlighting ADAPT’s significant contribution of over €1.1 billion to Ireland’s economy and society. The report was officially launched by Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD. Minister Chambers commended ADAPT for its pioneering research and cross-sector collaboration, recognizing the Centre’s vital role in defending democracy in the digital age.
Also in September, ADAPT took part in European Researchers’ Night at the Douglas Hyde Gallery, where the #ExploreAI showcase attracted a lively crowd eager to explore the impacts of AI on creativity, health, and entertainment. The event featured interactive demonstrations, including Art or AI?, which invited participants to distinguish between human-made and AI-generated art, and immersive VR experiences that blurred the line between perception and reality. This event allowed attendees of all ages to reflect on the growing influence of AI in our daily lives.
In the same month, ADAPT also engaged in Culture Night at DCU with the Art or AI? installation, where visitors were invited to test their skills in identifying artworks created by humans versus those generated by AI tools like DALL-E and Midjourney. This interactive exhibition was part of ADAPT’s DiscussAI programme, which encourages dialogue around AI’s impact on creativity and art.
The Beta Festival in June and ADVANCE 2024, the fourth annual ADAPT event, also stood out as major moments in the year’s calendar. During ADVANCE, Dragoș Tudorache, a Member of the European Parliament and key figure behind the AI Act, delivered a keynote on the geopolitics of AI, examining how Europe is positioning itself as a leader in AI governance while balancing innovation with societal protection. These events underscored ADAPT’s role in fostering thought leadership on AI policy and governance at a global level.
May saw the collaboration between ADAPT and Learnovate in hosting a workshop on Generative AI and the Future of Learning. This event gathered educators, researchers, and industry professionals to discuss how generative AI is reshaping education. The keynote by ADAPT co-founder Professor Vinny Wade explored the increasing role of AI in educational technology, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by these tools in transforming teaching and learning. The winners of ADAPT’s All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad (AILO) 2024 were also announced at a ceremony in Trinity College Dublin. The top four students from the individual round went on to represent Ireland at the International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) in Brasilia, Brazil in July.
The ADAPT SFI Research Centre held the third ADAPT Annual Scientific Conference in celebration of the research carried out in the centre in DCU on the 14th May 2024. This year’s ADAPT Annual Scientific Conference was the largest to date with over 160 ADAPT members coming together to engage with and present our research to the wider ADAPT community, showcasing and celebrating the research and academics that are helping to shape the future through AI.
In April, ADAPT launched the VOICES project at the Trinity Long Room Hub, a pioneering initiative funded by the European Research Council. Led by Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, the project seeks to uncover women’s experiences during the 16th and 17th centuries in Ireland, providing a new historical narrative that places women’s perspectives at the centre of this transformative period.
ADAPT also participated in Pint of Science in May, bringing cutting-edge research to the public in a relaxed setting. At this event, Dalila Burin, Research Fellow at Trinity College Dublin and ADAPT, presented on the potential of Virtual Reality in reshaping industries such as gaming and healthcare.
Another significant moment came in February at the AI Tribes Mini-Summit, where ADAPT researchers, including ADAPT Director Professor John Kelleher and Dr. Brendan Spillane, joined experts in cybersecurity, privacy, and AI governance to explore the challenges and opportunities of AI. The summit provided a platform for connecting AI experts, while ADAPT’s booth allowed attendees to engage with the team and interact with tools like the Furhat robot.
These events collectively showcase ADAPT’s continued commitment to advancing AI research, promoting ethical practices, and engaging the public in meaningful discussions about the future of technology. As the Centre prepares for another year of innovation and exploration, it remains a key player in shaping the future of AI.
