Will AI revolutionise infectious disease research, or is the hype outpacing reality? That was the question explored at the latest Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID) seminar, hosted at the Burnet Institute.
Dr Ahmed Abdul Quadeer from the Doherty Institute explained how he is using AI to identify novel targets in viruses to improve vaccine design. Professor Mark Stoové and Dr Thi Nguyen from the Burnet Institute demonstrated how AI is being applied to pathology report analysis and maternal health risk screening.
Professor Jeannie Marie Paterson, Director of the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics, explored the ethical and regulatory challenges presented by this rapidly evolving technology.
Professor Mark Cassidy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Melbourne, concluded the event with a panel discussion between the presenters and audience, addressing questions about AI hallucinations, the future of research, productivity gains and public confidence in the technology.
Attendees were invited to vote for their perspective on the question “Will AI revolutionise infectious disease research, or is the hype outpacing reality?” Attendees voted in favour of AI’s revolutionary potential, but agreed there is still much to consider and learn.
