ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
Quantum, Digital Science, and Artificial Intelligence
France and Australia are actively supporting the digital transition, and have a long history of investment in advanced technologies such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cyber security, blockchain, massive data processing, connected objects, and digitisation of industrial production systems.
There are many opportunities for collaboration also to develop a strong cross-cutting component in social and human science on the ethics and adoption of these advanced technologies.
NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES
ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMUNITY
AN AUSTRALIAN FRENCH PERSPECTIVE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
FOCUS ON THE IRL-CROSSING
IRL CROSSING is an International Research Laboratory We are a French Australian Laboratory for
Humans-Autonomous Agents Teaming
​Our projects are built upon 4 different thrusts: New Models to Understand and Anticipate Human Behaviour, New Algorithms for Energy-Efficient and Human-Based AI, New Paradigms for Autonomous Agents/Human Interaction and Understanding and New Solutions for the Management of Hybrid Teams
CROSSING is an international, multidisciplinary lab. We have established the following mechanisms to support the development of innovative approaches to problems around humans-autonomous agents teaming, and to strengthen scientific collaboration between France and Australia. Please contact us for more details of any schemes, or to receive further details of how to apply.
Internships
CROSSING supports internships for undergraduate and postgraduate students, for a minimum of 6 weeks of stipend. New topics will be posted on the website, but please feel free to contact us to discuss a topic.
PhD and postdoctoral fellow packages
PhD students and postdoctoral fellows at CROSSING are eligible for an annual package to support costs associated with their research, which could include conference travel, travel between France and Australia for scientific collaboration, small equipment and publication costs, or other associated costs.
Visitor packages
CROSSING has funds to support visits from scientists for short and long stays. We especially encourage early to mid career researchers to consider a visit to CROSSING.
Small funds to support new projects
New projects or applications for grants that are aligned with the CROSSING roadmap and involve a CROSSING member are eligible to apply for funds to support data collection or the establishment of new collaborations.
COMMUNITY LEADERS
SARAH VALLEE
Leader for AI
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Sarah is an international expert in Artificial Intelligence deployed by Expertise France and on secondment at the Australian National University, School of Cybernetics. Her goal is to foster AI collaboration between Australia and France, while creating bridges between the academic and policy worlds.
She has international experience in academic cooperation and public policy settings, and has previously worked with French foreign services, cooperation agencies, international organisations and higher education institutions in Europe, Asia and Africa.
She graduated from Sciences Po with a Master in International Affairs and a Bachelor in European and Asian Studies. She also holds a Certificate in Public Policy Analysis from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Graduate degree in AI Law and Ethics from Artois University.
FERNANDO ALVES
Leader for Quantum
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Fernando is Manager of the Partnership Development of the NSW Node at Quantum Australia where his role is to grow the nation’s quantum industry. Prior to this role, he
was Head of the Industry department for Business France Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands (the French Embassy Trade Commission). He holds a double Master’s degree in Commerce & Business Management from the University of Sydney Business School.
He is responsible for leading a team of local trade and investment consultants and is the gateway for French companies in the industry sector wishing to develop in and expand to ANZ. Fernando and his team focus on advising CEOs on how to successfully set up their business in Australia by developing strong ties with Commonwealth, State & Territory government agencies, prime contractors and the local supply chain. He has assisted over 200 French companies since 2017 in the defence, Manufacturing, infrastructure, spatial, renewable energy and mining industries, and has also led several official trade missions in Australia and ASEAN, including the agency’s flagship accelerator program “Maritime Connection Days” launched by the French President in May 2018.
