About our lab

The ICAI lab AI4Oversight is a dynamic collaboration between academia and practice, dedicated to developing trustworthy and responsible AI-driven methods and applications for inspection activities. The lab brings together seven partners.

Our journey began with a shared vision. Each partner recognized the growing complexity and volume of data and the need for more sophisticated tools to manage and use this information to fulfil their public mission. Traditional methods of oversight were becoming increasingly insufficient, and there was a clear need for innovative solutions that could enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of inspections. However, this is a tough challenge to tackle alone. We realized that we should combine our expertise and resources.

Our lab brings together a unique blend of practical experience from the inspectorates and cutting-edge research from the universities. This combination ensures that the AI methods and applications we develop are not only theoretically sound but also practically applicable. By working closely with inspectors, we can tailor our solutions to meet their specific needs, ensuring that the AI systems we create are both effective and user-friendly.

Together we foster a collaborative environment where we experiment, learn and share!

  • Our Mission

    We empower our members to fulfill their public missions by developing trustworthy and responsible AI-driven methods and applications to support inspection activities, ensuring a meaningful interaction between computer and inspector.

Our Commitments

Collaborations

We put collaboration at the heart of everything we do.

Responsible AI

Developing methods that support the responsible use of AI.

Learning

To continuously learn with and from each other.

Human-Centric AI

Creating AI methods that support rather than replace humans.

Peer Reviewed Research

Our methods are peer-reviewed and published

Way of Working

Our approach is structured around active collaboration and continuous learning. We have designed our way of working to ensure that all partners are deeply involved and benefit from the collective expertise and insights.

Collaborative use Cases

Our PhD candidates work closely with the inspectorates on real-world use cases. This hands-on approach ensures that our research is grounded in practical applications and that the solutions we develop are directly relevant to the needs of inspectors.

Time in the Field

Our PhD candidates not only conduct research but also spend time in the field, working at the partners locations as well as alongside inspectors to understand their challenges and gather valuable feedback.

Lab Days

Every two months, we hold Lab Days where all partners come together to share progress, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions. These sessions are crucial for maintaining alignment and fostering a collaborative spirit.

Annual Symposium

Once a year, we organize a symposium that brings together researchers, inspectors, and other stakeholders. This event is an opportunity to showcase our work, share findings, and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of AI in oversight.

Track Leads

Data scientists from partner organizations are involved as track leads in PhD trajectories. This ensures that there is a continuous exchange of knowledge and that our research is informed by the latest developments in the field.

By fostering a collaborative environment and focusing on practical applications, we aim to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Our goal is to develop AI methods and applications that are not only innovative but also effective and reliable in supporting the work of inspectors.

About ICAI

The Innovation Center for Artificial Intelligence (ICAI) is a national initiative in the Netherlands that focuses on joint technology development between academia to keep the Netherlands at the forefront of knowledge and talent development in AI. 

ICAI aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical applications, ensuring that AI advancements benefit society as a whole. 

ICAI operates through a network of labs, each dedicated to specific AI research themes and applications. These labs bring together experts from universities, research institutions, and industry partners to work on cutting-edge AI projects. Each lab typically consists of five or more PhD researchers who collaborate closely with industry and government partners.

One of ICAI's key strengths is its focus on responsible and explainable AI. The initiative emphasizes the development of AI systems that are not only effective but also fair, transparent, and aligned with societal values. This commitment to ethical AI is reflected in the research agendas of the various ICAI labs such as our own.

ICAI also nurtures talent by providing opportunities for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to work on innovative AI projects, gain hands-on experience, and collaborate with leading experts. This focus on education and training helps ensure a steady pipeline of skilled AI professionals.

Overall, ICAI is dedicated to advancing AI research and development in a way that benefits society, promotes ethical standards, and fosters collaboration across sectors.

For more information, check out icai.ai.

Our partners

Leiden University

Netherlands Labour Authority

Inspectorate of Education

Utrecht University

TNO

the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate

Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority