The University of Queensland’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities received an upgrade that will enable it to revolutionise pathology laboratories across Australia.
According to a recent press release, the University’s high-performance computer, called Weiner, is now able to deliver unprecedented performance for image processing and deep learning algorithms, which will now allow advancements in digital pathology.
About the Initiative
Professor Brian Lovell explained that they were able to run a number of graphics processing units in parallel, speeding up artificial intelligence training to run up to hundreds of times faster than before.
The CEO of a pathology practice in Australia share that this development could bring a number of benefits for the industry, particularly since almost 70% of general practitioner diagnoses are based on pathology tests.
Developing AI for digital microscopy in pathology is an iterative process requiring extensive validation and standardisation.
These advances will significantly hasten the development of AI algorithms in digital pathology and enable earlier movement into the routine pathology setting.
Benefits
- AI is envisioned as augmenting the quality and efficiency of pathology rather than replacing pathologists and scientists.
- It is actually being used successfully at the pathology practice to augment the quality and interpretation of some testing.
- The project will have applications in all areas of microscopy in pathology, including immunology, histopathology and microbiology specialities.
- The University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) explained that digital pathology was just one example of how AI and machine learning was developing at the University.
- The University’s AI capabilities continue to grow, allowing them to deliver novel solutions in the new Industry 4.0 age together with industry and government partners.
- The applicability of this technology is huge, and this upgrade will assist in accelerating a wide variety of research projects across the University.
Research Boost
As testament to the University’s research capabilities, the Federal Government has awarded 19 Australian Research Council (ARC) grants.
As reported, the Australian Research Council has announced AU$ 81.8 million in grants to fund 200 research projects through the Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards (DECRAs).
DECRAs are highly competitive and support Australia’s next generation of researchers working in key priority areas to grow Australia’s research and innovation capacity.
This is the latest funding boost for the University and follows AU$ 102 million in grants for three ARC Centres of Excellence, AU$ 6.59 million for eight ARC Future Fellowships, and AU$ 9.8 million for three Laureate Fellowships.
Some of the University’s DECRAs are:
- AU$ 426,476 to Dr Jos Kistemaker to develop a preconcentrator technology for in-field detection of explosive vapours that have low concentrations in the air.
- AU$ 419,000 to Dr Timothy Duignan to identify new electrolyte solutions with suitable properties for use in improved electrical energy storage technologies.
- AU$ 403,398 to Dr Sen Wang for explainable multi-source multivariate time-series analysis.
- AU$ 384,616 to Dr Alain Wuethrich for developing a new nanotechnology to characterise extracellular vesicles and other bioparticles with single particle precision.
- AU$ 354,016 to Dr Anna Puskas to further knowledge in multiple areas of pure mathematics by resolving questions in an area that lies at the intersection of different mathematical disciplines.
OpenGov Academy
In line with smart nation efforts of encouraging AI technology adoption, OpenGov has launched its OpenGov Academy, in collaboration with AlphaZetta.
The OpenGov Academy facilitates and promotes AI masterclasses, workshops and customised courses that are conducted by AlphaZetta and supported by OpenGov.
This academy will feature masterclasses across various levels: C-suite, management, business, and, expert.
The classes have been created to impart understanding – taught in an intuitive, accessible way, keeping formulae and mathematics to a bare minimum and taking an innate, visual approach.
Data literacy, AI and data science, and strategic decision making with data are some of the classes offered by the academy.
For more information, visit: OpenGov Academy
