In this episode of Behind the Growth, host Imran Mian welcomes Sedef Akinli Kocak, the Director of Professional Development at the Vector Institute, which has played a pivotal role in advancing Canada as a hub for innovation in the global AI landscape. As Sedef reflects on her journey from academia to leading professional development in AI, their conversation highlights the Vector Institute's mission for excellence in AI research and development, emphasizing the bridge between technological advancement and industry application.

Sedef discusses the importance of sustainability in software systems and how AI can contribute to addressing the global climate crisis. Her work focuses on developing models to predict software systems' energy consumption, showcasing the intersection of machine learning and sustainability.

The conversation unveils insights into the Vector Institute's collaborative efforts both within Canada and globally. Sedef outlines the institute's partnerships across industries, aiming to foster economic growth, benefit the planet, and protect human interests while developing AI systems that remain robust, secure, and safe throughout their lifecycles. This episode sheds light on the transformative power of AI in sustainability and beyond, showcasing its potential for creating a positive impact.

Key Highlights:

- Sustainability spans five dimensions: environmental, social, economic, technical, and institutional.
- AI is useful for forecasting environmental changes, disaster response, and urban planning.
- Training AI models consumes considerable power, creating a rebound effect that needs addressing.
- Research is ongoing to assess and optimize energy consumption by different AI systems.
- Organizations must follow guidelines when developing AI systems, like ensuring benefits for humans and the planet, reflecting democratic values, and maintaining robust and secure systems.
- To get started in AI, it’s critical to understand the environment, learn the terminology, and bring your unique perspective to the table.

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