AiLab Media Release: International AiLab at AUT

 

AiLab expands into New Zealand with Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Adelaide, South Australia: Tuesday 28th January 2020

[Find out more on the AiLab at AUT webpage and also on Auckland University of Technology (AUT).]

South Australian-based AiLab expands into New Zealand with the launch of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory as part of a strategic alliance with Auckland University of Technology (AUT). This exciting partnership will also see co-founder and Head of AiLab, Dr. John Flackett, take on the year-long role of AI Specialist in Residence (AISiR) and AI Ambassador for AUT commencing April 2020* [See update below], whilst setting up and launching the new AiLab.

“I’m honoured to have the fantastic opportunity to work with AUT and to help promote the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence technologies as part of my residency. I’m really looking forward to meeting and engaging with the established local AI community,” said Dr. Flackett.

Co-founder of AiLab, Emma Berry, spoke about expanding internationally with a second Ailab: “We are thrilled to be launching in New Zealand. Our new lab within AUT will provide support to learn about Artificial Intelligence and help continue our mission with building AI awareness around the globe.”

Dr. Flackett’s AI Specialist in Residence role will be based in AUT’s School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences. The new AiLab will promote information and knowledge engineering technologies across faculties and groups at AUT, as well as act as a conduit between academic research and commercial partners.

Dean of Design and Creative Technologies, Professor Guy Littlefair, says having Dr. Flackett join AUT for a year to further advance the University’s AI capabilities is a fantastic opportunity. “The possibilities of AI are enormous. We’ve asked John to take the lead in creating the AiLab as a way of building on our existing work. AiLab will provide world-class AI support, education and resources for industry, government and community. I’m excited to see what the Lab will produce and am delighted Dr. Flackett has taken the opportunity to work with our great University of Technology.”

Focused on understanding the AI capabilities within New Zealand and connecting industry with academic and professional talent, Dr. Flackett invites any potential partners and interested parties to get in touch to find out more about AiLab and his new role as AUT’s AI Specialist in Residence.

*Update due to COVID-19

The commencement of the new AUT AiLab, along with Dr. John Flackett's role of Artificial Intelligence Specialist in Residence and AI Ambassador, will be undertaken virtually from the beginning of May until December 2020. John will physically be in residence within the new AUT AiLab commencing January 2021 (COVID-19 restrictions permitting).

Further Information

View the AUT Media Release for further details on the partnership.

For all media enquiries, please contact:

Dr. John Flackett (Co-founder and Head of AiLab): Call +61 (0)8 8464 0787 or email via our contact form.

Nicola Igusa (Communications Manager, Auckland University of Technology): Call +64 21 844 285.

AiLab website: https://www.ailab.com.au

AUT website: https://www.aut.ac.nz