Norwegian Open AI Lab 5th anniversary

As the year 2022 nears its close, we at the Norwegian Open AI Lab look back upon a year of several big happenings.

Celebrations 

In November, the Department for Computer Science at NTNU commemorated its 50th anniversary. Earlier this fall the AI-lab celebrated its 5th year since the establishment in 2017 – making the lab some 45 years younger than the department itself. 

The research projects that NAIL has been involved in, during these first five years, have approached many different topics. Among them we find health issues, like reducing back pain and detection of cerebral palsy in infants; Or energy issues, like predicting changes in the power market; As well as other avenues, like language learning models and underwater robotics. Each year, 200 students at NTNU deliver a master’s theses related to artificial intelligence.

The anniversary was filled with speeches, talks and cake-cutting, with partners, employees, and students alike taking part in the event. After the initial celebrations at the lab itself, the crowd headed to Gruva at FRAM-NTNU. Here, the stage was set for more presentations and a panel discussion on the future of AI, all in collaboration with BRAIN, one of our student organisations.

Challenges

These occasions have brought with them festivities, but also reflections – on the past and the future of AI and computer science. 

At the lab’s 5-year celebration, CEO of Telenor, Sigve Brekke noted the need to invest even more in this industry going forward. Professor Letizia Jaccheri praises the work that has already been done to ensure a more equal gender distribution at the Department for Computer Science. In the same vein, the leader of the department, Heri Ramampiaro, and the Vice Dean for Education, Roger Midtstraum, highlight both the need for diversity and sustainability in this field going forward.

Even though these challenges are present, what shines through from everyone involved is optimism. To meet the ambitions of a better tech-future the AI-lab will continue to focus on research-based education and innovation, in collaboration with new and existing partners.

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the Norwegian Open AI Lab’s 5th anniversary, and the 50th anniversary of the department. We look forward to a bright AI-future!