Artificial intelligence for the environment and health

The University of Montpellier is one of 22 institutions selected by the French National Research Agency (ANR) as part of its "AI doctoral contracts" call for projects. Six theses using AI to address the MUSE environment and health themes will be co-financed.

It was a national promise, to double the number of PhDs trained in artificial intelligence. A government priority following the parliamentary mission on artificial intelligence led by MP Cédric Villani and outlined at the "All for humanity" day in March 2018. To achieve this objective, the French National Research Agency has therefore launched a call for projects on artificial intelligence, with the key being the co-financing of 274 theses to the tune of €60,000 for each.

Montpellier in the AI landscape

As Anne Laurent, UM's Vice President for Open Science and Research Data, points out: "Montpellier has some real nuggets in the field of artificial intelligence. We organize a lot of events, and our researchers are recognized." A reminder that Montpellier also has its own strengths and counts in the French AI landscape.

The very recent Institut de science des données de Montpellier (ISDM) (Montpellier Institute for Data Science) is proof of this. Inaugurated last January, it aims to structure the data landscape in Montpellier and the region, and create new synergies and exchanges in this effervescent field. ISDM provides human and material resources, links to existing resources and best practice guides, advice on appropriate training courses, etc.

Six co-funded theses

In all, six theses will be co-financed by the ANR and the University of Montpellier and its partners. The focus will be on the scientific challenges of AI in relation to the environment and health, the main themes of MUSE.Our Axium project proposes a multidisciplinary approach to artificial intelligence," explains Anne Laurent. The scientific challenges of AI are not confined to mathematicians and computer scientists, but also concern lawyers, biologists, agronomists and economists. All disciplinary fields are going to undergo transformations linked to the development of data science, and this project is a real lever to support them."

This is a welcome development in a sector where the brain drain to other countries is sometimes a challenge, as the Vice-president points out: "It'snot always easy to attract and retain our students in artificial intelligence, as private companies offer interesting and often well-paid projects". With this new co-funding, the University of Montpellier is therefore working to develop its scientific community qualified in artificial intelligence, and reaffirming its determination to make its mark in this vital field.