SACAIR2024 Home Page

Southern African Conference for
Artificial Intelligence Research

AI for Societal Impact

University of the Free State, Bloemfontein

2 - 6 December 2024

The Southern African Conference on AI Research is pleased to announce SACAIR 2024

Artificial Intelligence for Societal Impact

Artificial Intelligence for Societal Impact | Artificial Intelligence has indeed made significant strides in sifting information and offering targeted solutions to real-world challenges. The advancement of responsible AI research is of paramount importance, as the role of AI in shaping our future societies cannot be overstated. However, the conversion of these advancements into tangible outcomes in our immediate contexts is often not achieved, particularly in areas where societal hardships persist due to the complex interplay of socio-political, economic, historical, and environmental realities. This year’s conference is therefore centred on exploring the actual societal impact delivered by artificial intelligence, beyond its potential promises and from all scientific perspectives.

This multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary conference is the premium, annual AI conference in Southern Africa. The conference will bring together nationally and internationally established and emerging researchers from various disciplines, including Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics, Informatics, Humanities and Philosophy. As in the past, the focus is on growing a formidable network of talented students working in AI from across Africa.

SACAIR is affiliated with the Centre for AI Research (CAIR). CAIR is a South African distributed research network established in 2011 to build world-class Artificial Intelligence research capacity in South Africa. CAIR conducts foundational, directed and applied research into various aspects of AI through several research groups: Adaptive and Cognitive Systems, AI and Cybersecurity, AI for Development, Foundations and Applications of Machine Learning, Computational Logic, Ethical and Legal aspects of AI, Computational Intelligence, Knowledge Representation and Reasoning, and Probabilistic Modelling. An essential part of CAIR’s mandate is to develop and nurture an Artificial Intelligence ecosystem within South Africa.

SACAIR 2024 is the fifth to be held under the SACAIR brand. The conference will build on the successes of the past four conferences.

SACAIR 2024 will be hosted at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein from 2 to 6 December 2024.

SACAIR 2024 will offer five main tracks:

  • Algorithmic and Data-Driven AI (Computer Science)
  • Symbolic AI (Knowledge Representation and Reasoning)
  • Socio-technical and human-centred AI (Information Systems)
  • Responsible and Ethical AI (Philosophy and Law / Humanities)
  • Inter- and transdisciplinary AI research

The programme includes an unconference for students on 2 December 2024 (a student-driven event for students to interact with each other and with sponsors and other possible employers), a day of tutorials on 3 December 2024 and the main conference from 4 – 6 December 2024. 

Sponsors of  SACAIR 2024
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