The Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence Applications is a unit designed to play a key role in coordinating the flow of information and initiatives related to AI at the University of Gdańsk. The Laboratory is headed by dr Jakub Neumann, a prof. at the University of Gdańsk’s Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics.
‘Artificial intelligence is having an increasingly significant impact on our lives - including academic life - which is why we have set out a course of action that will allow us to utilise its potential responsibly and consciously,’ said the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski. ‘This is an important step towards even greater integration of scientific research and practical applications of AI - not only in the natural sciences, but also in the social sciences and humanities.’
The newly established unit will be headed by dr Jakub Neumann, a prof. at the University of Gdańsk’s Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics. He took up the post of Director of the Laboratory on 1 April this year. The official appointment ceremony took place on 27 March.
Where did the idea for the Laboratory come from?
‘Many people interested in the use of artificial intelligence methods began approaching the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, which seems a natural place to establish cooperation in this field,’ says prof. Jakub Neumann. ‘As Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science for Cooperation and Development, I meet with many people from across the University of Gdańsk, as well as representatives of the socio-economic community. Students and research societies also get in touch, which I find particularly encouraging. Topics related to AI applications very often come up during these meetings. It turned out that interdisciplinarity could be the key to fruitful cooperation - something already confirmed, for example, in interdisciplinary research and publications. It therefore seemed natural to establish, together with the university’s rectorate, a university-wide unit - namely the Interdisciplinary Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence Applications.’
Among the Laboratory’s tasks, prof. Jakub Neumann lists, amongst others: conducting and supporting research and development and social projects in the field of artificial intelligence applications, popularising science and research findings, developing the research skills of students and staff, collaborating with institutions in the socio-economic environment, and supporting the resolution of problems relevant to science, society, local communities and the environment.
‘Several projects at the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Information Technology have already been launched, such as the Neuro AI project and a postgraduate programme on AI applications for teachers, both carried out in collaboration with the Faculty of Social Sciences. We have also achieved successes, confirmed by publications, in cooperation with the Faculty of Economics. We also have plans for university-wide workshops for all staff and students, introducing them to the world of AI, its mechanics and applications,’ adds the Centre’s Director. ‘Above all, I focus on interdisciplinarity, in which I deeply believe and see enormous potential for the development of science and research, particularly in the context of Artificial Intelligence applications. I would like to warmly invite all interested parties, both staff and students, to collaborate.’