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By Lungile Ntimba
Research into artificial intelligence is set to be revolutionised with the launch of the Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand.
The institute is an African-based interdisciplinary AI research hub aimed at advancing the fundamental science of AI, defined by its focus to study machine, human and animal intelligence.
Prof. Benjamin Rosman, who is the institute’s director and professor in AI and robotics at Wits, said it was unique because it was committed to studying intelligence holistically, bringing together insights from machine, human and animal intelligence.
“When most institutions, particularly locally, talk about AI, they often focus on applications. At the Wits MIND Institute, we care deeply about how we understand, and can advance, the fundamental science of AI itself to build the next generation of AI right here in South Africa,” he said in a statement.
It would also run workshops, seminars, talks and regular gatherings where experts from various fields interacted, found synergies and drove scientific discovery and innovation.
“By creating a space for these cross-disciplinary interactions, the Wits MIND Institute aims to supercharge AI research in entirely new directions,” Rosman added.
To support these efforts, he said new AI research chairs would be appointed across the university’s five faculties. This would help channel fundamental research into practical applications across multiple fields, ensuring that the institute’s discoveries benefited various sectors of society.
The institute will be partnering with IBM to develop cutting-edge technologies tailored to address Africa’s unique challenges.
Research and Innovation Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Lynn Morris said partnerships between universities and industries were pivotal in developing industry-specific innovation, assessing risks posed by AI, and training talent required by industry to develop, deploy and scale AI solutions.
“We are in discussion with several big tech companies and industries whose leaders are very excited about the possibilities that a partnership with Wits will bring, so, watch this space,” she said.
The institute also plans engaging policymakers across the continent to contribute towards developing frameworks that ensure the ethical and responsible deployment of AI technologies.
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