Electrical Engineering & Computer Science department sparks discussion on AI safety at the Lassonde Distinguished Speaker Series

In early May, the Electrical Engineering & Computer Science department at the Lassonde School of Engineering hosted the final Distinguished Speaker Series event of the year – bringing together the community to learn about advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) software and related safety concerns.

Attendees engaged in a thought-provoking discussion led by Lionel Briand, a professor of Software Engineering at the University of Ottawa and the Lero SFI Centre for Software Research at the University of Limerick in Ireland.

Professor Lionel Briand presenting at the Lassonde Distinguished Speaker Series event.

“The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science was thrilled to welcome Dr. Lionel Briand as a speaker for Lassonde’s Distinguished Speaker Series,” says Shahin Kamali, assistant professor in the Electrical Engineering & Computer Science department. “Dr. Briand is a prominent figure in the field of software engineering. He is known for his significant contributions to software testing, verification and validation, particularly in the areas of model-based testing, search-based software engineering and empirical software engineering. Hosting such an esteemed speaker provided an invaluable opportunity for our students and researchers to gain insights and delve into cutting-edge topics in computing and engineering.”

From credit card fraud detection to disease diagnostics, AI software applications are continuing to grow exponentially. However, many AI systems are deployed without sufficiently analyzing risks. Throughout the research talk, Professor Briand discussed recent advancements in testing of AI software and the urgent need to improve the analysis of their safety.

His research talk focused on the use of various automated testing methods to assess risks and generate safety evidence for AI software. Understanding the circumstances in which AI fails to adhere to safety standards is crucial in order to create an action plan that prioritizes responsible engineering of safe and efficient AI software.

Following the research discussion, attendees participated in an interactive question and answer session, encouraging knowledge exchange, idea sharing and networking.

About the Lassonde Distinguished Speaker Series

The Lassonde Distinguished Speaker Series aims to foster interdisciplinary learning and collaboration in engineering and science. Each department at the School hosts a thought-provoking research talk, led by a prestigious guest researcher who is working at the forefront of innovation in their field.