SLATE’s proposal AI LEARN is among the four University of Bergen applicants advancing to the final round where 19 proposals will compete to become a Norwegian national AI research centre.

The applicants are applying for NOK 75 - 200 million for five-year research centers, funded by The Research Council of Norway, with a start in 2025.

After a round of interviews over Easter, 4-6 national Artificial Intelligence research centres (AI centres) will be selected from the remaining candidates. The five-year research centres will emphasise AI, digital security and the societal consequences of digital technology development.

AI LEARN

SLATE’s proposal, AI LEARN (Artificial Intelligence Centre for the Empowerment of Human Learning), aims to address the complexities of hybrid intelligence by combining theoretical and empirical research on how humans interact with AI. The centre will develop interdisciplinary knowledge and insights to promote responsible and trustworthy human–AI interactions aligned with Nordic sociocultural values.

By developing frameworks for designing and evaluating human–AI interaction models and critically examining emerging moral and ethical dilemmas in the context of hybrid intelligence, the centre will drive sustainable innovation and enable democratic participation in the evolving AI society.

The leads are Professor Barbara Wasson, Director of the Centre for the Science of Learning & Technology (SLATE), UiB, and Professor Michail Giannakos, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). From SLATE, Senior Researcher and Theme Leader Ingunn Johanne Ness, Senior Researcher Kristin Børte, Associate Professors Mohammad Khalil and Fredrik Breien, and Postdoctoral Fellows Anja Salzmann and Fride Haram Klykken worked on the application with Barbara Wasson.

The Four UiB-hosted Finalists

"UiB submitted six applications as host institution, covering a broad range of AI-related topics. The fact that four of these have now advanced to the final round highlights the unique breadth of UiB’s AI research", says Pro-Rector at the University of Bergen, Pinar Heggernes.

More about the four UiB-hosted finalists (in English)

"The four proposals are coordinated by four different departments and centres, across three of UiB’s faculties: Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Psychology. In addition, our academic communities are partners in several other proposals coordinated by other institutions", she adds.

"We wish all our applicants the best of luck with the interviews and are keeping our fingers crossed for everyone involved", says Heggernes.

A total of 50 applications from Norway were submitted before the January deadline. The final selection of 4–6 national centres will be announced in June.

Complete list of the 19 proposals (in Norwegian)