The UB and 3Cat have created a chair on AI applied to audio-visual media

The Chair, created by the University of Barcelona and 3Cat, will strengthen research lines on artificial intelligence applied to the audio-visual sector, through the development of different initiatives, such as the creation of industrial doctorate studies and joint European projects. It is directed by professor Jordi Vitrià.

The University of Barcelona and 3Cat have introduced the UB Chair on Artificial Intelligence and the Media today in Sant Joan Despí. The three-year agreement between the institutions will help promote training, research and knowledge dissemination in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to the audio-visual sector.

AI has opened a wide range of innovative technological possibilities for the media, enabling the creation of automatic content or the customization of news. However, new risks related to the spreading of fake news and threats to data privacy have also surfaced. The objective of the chair is to promote ethical and responsible practices for the use of AI in the audio-visual sector. Core educational courses in this field and in the specific engineering of AI systems will also be offered to train highly skilled professionals. Placement agreements between the UB and 3Cat will also be implemented.

The chair will improve research lines on Artificial Intelligence applied to the audio-visual sector and carry out other initiatives such as the creation of industrial doctorate studies and joint European projects. It is registered to the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, and it is directed by professor Jordi Vitrià.

A pioneering chair

The Rector of the University of Barcelona, Joan Guàrdia, notes that this chair marks a turning point in the use of artificial intelligence: “Technological progress is a great opportunity to improve our reality, but limits are necessary. One of the missions of the university is to create safe, responsible spaces so that these technologies have a positive impact on society”.

Additionally, Rosa Romà, president of 3Cat, has affirmed that: “A chair on AI and the media is essential to address the challenges and opportunities that AI represents in this industry. It also promotes an academic framework for research, professional training and ethical, responsible practice in a field that is constantly evolving”.

Among the actions that will start immediately are courses on AI in audio-visual media, the organization of datathons and marathons addressed to UB students, and the preparation of reports on the state of the art of AI in the audio-visual sector.