Video series to build AI policy capabilities among leaders launched by UCD Centre for Digital Policy
Posted 19 April, 2024
(opens in a new window)A new video series aiming to help build AI policy understanding and capabilities among policymakers, developers and others has been launched by the (opens in a new window)UCD Centre for Digital Policy.
Building on the collaboration between Microsoft and UCD, which saw the introduction of UCD Digital Policy Programme in 2020, (opens in a new window)the five short videos provide a solid base for anyone interested in deepening their knowledge and understanding of AI and social policy space.
Contributors to the series include Minister Dara Calleary; AI Ambassador Patricia Scanlon; Drs Elizabeth Farries and Susan Leavy from UCD; AI Advisory Council member Barry Scannell; and TrialView’s Stephen Dowling.
The new project was launched at the Digital Ireland Conference organised by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Welcoming the release of the AI video series, Minister Dara Calleary TD said: “Ireland can lead in responsible AI and innovative AI and be at the core of AI innovation in Europe. As we look ahead, skilling up in AI will give people the skills and confidence to deal with and manage AI. Skills are also crucial to understanding ethical AI and person-centred AI which are two key principles of Ireland’s national AI strategy.”
Dr. Elizabeth Farries from the UCD Centre for Digital Policy added: “Communication and comprehension needs to occur along every point of the AI supply and development chain.
“We need communication and understanding of ethics from researchers and developers to Governments embracing these technologies. That is why we recommend capacity building for policymakers and developers alike through education including the programmes offered at UCD Centre for Digital Policy.”
The introduction of the Microsoft-UCD Digital Policy Programme at UCD in 2020 began with the goal of building digital policy capability amongst the public and private sector in Ireland and across the wider EU.
This new AI video series according to James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Lead and Vice President of Microsoft Global Operations Service Center, will further this aim by helping to “ensure responsible AI principles are put into practice.”
“AI is a transformative technology that has huge potential to empower workers, businesses, and communities across Ireland. As the use of AI tools and technologies accelerates, it is important that both the policy opportunities and challenges created by the technology are well understood.
“By providing insights from a wide-ranging set of experts across academia, policy and industry, the new AI video series produced in collaboration with the UCD Centre for Digital Policy can help to deepen understanding in these key areas and ensure responsible AI principles are put into practice.”
The AI Video Series, along with a similar series on Cyber Security produced last year, are (opens in a new window)available to view here.
By:David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
