Photo: Sonja Balci, OsloMet
Government Visit to OsloMet
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and the new Minister of Digitalization, Karianne Tung, visited Oceanlab at OsloMet on October 27th. The focus of the visit was on the investment in artificial intelligence.
Rector Christen Krogh and Vice-Rector for Research and Development, Tanja Storsul, welcomed Jonas Gahr Støre and Karianne Tung at the Oceanlab, where the researchers was ready to present one of their projects.
The Prime Minister and the Minister of Digitalization came to discuss the government's investment in artificial intelligence, for which they have allocated one billion Norwegian kroner (regjeringen.no).
"We are not afraid of new technology; we are afraid of old technology," said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. "Artificial intelligence is primarily an opportunity to make our lives easier and better, but it also comes with some challenges. Therefore, we will control its development and frame its use so that the technology is safe and beneficial for society," Støre added.
The Minister of Digitalization emphasized that this requires good collaboration.
"It is important to collaborate among the technologies and between various institutions and academic communities to succeed in this endeavor," said Karianne Tung.
Professor Alex Alcocer from the Oceanlab presented AI technology in a prototype that monitors underwater biodiversity. The guests were shown live images from the bottom of the Oslo Fjord and were impressed by the project.
"This is a good example of what we want to use artificial intelligence for, namely, for beneficial purposes for society," said the Prime Minister.
OsloMet's Close Involvement in AI Investment
The Prime Minister also sought input from Rector Christen Krogh on what it takes to succeed in the artificial intelligence investment.
"We must ensure that we educate enough people in this field in Norway, that the government's investment is focused, and that our use of artificial intelligence is based on knowledge and expertise to maintain trust in society," Krogh responded.
"Trust is particularly important for Norway and the Nordic countries. Artificial intelligence will be used across all sectors, and we must ensure that it happens in a way that maintains trust in society," emphasized the Rector.
Vice-Rector for Research and Development, Tanja Storsul, who will lead the appointed expert group for the national AI investment, also shared her thoughts on the future work with Støre and Tung.
"I hope we will contribute to developing a comprehensive initiative where we gain insights into the technology and how it affects us," Storsul said.
