Issue 8 | July 2023
Welcome to the latest from CSIRO’s Responsible Innovation Future Science Platform (RI FSP).
I was delighted to bring our RI project leaders together for our very first project showcase event in Brisbane last month. This was the first opportunity our leaders have had to meet and share their project highlights with each other. It was also a chance to compare methodological approaches and insights developed by their teams across a diverse portfolio of future science and technology – and they have been busy!
As our science matures, we have an opportunity to profile and celebrate the achievements of our researchers working on RI for emerging digital and genetic technologies. What follows is only a selection from the past four months of incredible work within our FSP.
We welcomed Sarah Bentley, who is developing new research on social dynamics and generative AI. Sarah - along with Data61’s Claire Naughtin - recently tackled the current conundrums associated with large language models that ‘hallucinate’. Read their discussion on why designing AI with the public’s interest front and centre is so crucial, over on The Conversation.
David Douglas presented his research on how we can better define the ethical risks of emerging digital technologies at the 2023 Forum for Philosophy, Engineering and Technology in Delft.
And with the launch of Australia’s National Quantum Strategy, Rebecca Coates and Data61’s Manolo Per shared their thoughts on what it will take to build a trusted, ethical and inclusive quantum ecosystem.
Our teams investigating emergent applications of genetic technologies in health have been equally productive. We welcomed Tim Bainbridge, who is working with our Immune Resilience Future Science Platform to explore public responses to global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Yuwan Malakar published new research demonstrating how understanding divergent perspectives on ethical, social and technical risks in clinical genomics can improve collaborative efforts to manage risk and responsibility more effectively.
This issue also sees the return of our popular Meet the Researcher feature! We hope you enjoy learning about how Sinéad Golley is bringing behavioural science insights to disruptive new food technologies.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dr Justine Lacey