Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence

The Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) is a leading scientific society focused on advancing the understanding of artificial intelligence (AI). Established in 1979, AAAI promotes research, responsible use, and public understanding of AI, while supporting the education and training of AI practitioners. AAAI engages in activities such as hosting conferences, symposia, and workshops, publishing AI Magazine and other technical reports, and providing grants and scholarships.

Membership in AAAI offers several benefits, including access to AI Magazine, discounted rates for conferences and publications, and eligibility for awards and scholarships. There are multiple membership options, including individual, student, retiree, and institutional memberships, with special rates available for members in developing countries. Members also have access to the AAAI online directory, social network, and exclusive sections of the AAAI library. In addition, regular and lifetime members can participate in AAAI elections and apply for fellowships.

AAAI is involved in the publication of numerous proceedings and technical reports, with AI Magazine serving as a key publication for the AI community. AAAI Press, in partnership with The MIT Press, previously handled the publishing of technical reports and proceedings from various AI-related conferences. The AAAI Library contains many high-quality proceedings in AI. In addition, AAAI supports open access through the Open RAIL License initiative, allowing researchers to freely access and distribute code and models with usage restrictions.

The organisation also recognises outstanding achievements in AI through its awards, such as the AAAI Fellows programme, the Classic Paper Award, and the Feigenbaum Prize. Key figures in AI are acknowledged for their contributions, such as Milind Tambe, the 2023 Feigenbaum Prize winner, and Tuomas Sandholm, the 2023 recipient of the AAAI Award for Artificial Intelligence for the Benefit of Humanity.

AAAI hosts several annual conferences, including the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, the AAAI Conference on AI, Ethics, and Society (AIES), and the Innovative Applications of Artificial Intelligence (IAAI) Conference. These conferences focus on advancing research and facilitating discussions among AI researchers, practitioners, and engineers.

AAAI is committed to promoting ethical AI practices, diversity, and inclusivity in its community. It also plays a key role in shaping the future of AI through its educational initiatives, diversity efforts, and collaborations with other organisations like ACM and INFORMS.

The Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) was founded in 1979 as the American Association for Artificial Intelligence, to promote research and advance the understanding of artificial intelligence (AI). It was established as a nonprofit scientific society in the United States, focused on understanding the mechanisms behind thought and intelligent behaviour, and their embodiment in machines.

In its early years, AAAI concentrated on organising conferences and symposia to bring together researchers, practitioners, and scholars from various fields of AI. In 1980, the first National Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AAAI Conference) was held, marking the beginning of AAAI’s long history of academic and scientific gatherings. The organisation also began publishing AI Magazine in 1980, a quarterly publication aimed at disseminating research and information about AI advancements. This magazine remains a key publication for AI professionals and students, providing insights into current research, trends, and developments in the AI field.

In 1993, AAAI partnered with the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) to establish the ACM-AAAI Allen Newell Award, an honour recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of AI and computing. This partnership has continued, with the award being given annually to individuals who bridge disciplines within computer science.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, AAAI expanded its reach by organising specialised conferences and workshops, such as the Conference on Human Computation and Crowdsourcing (HCOMP), the International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media (ICWSM), and the Conference on AI, Ethics, and Society (AIES). These events helped foster collaboration and communication among AI researchers worldwide. In 2007, AAAI rebranded itself, changing its name from the American Association for Artificial Intelligence to the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, reflecting its broader international focus.

In 2019, AAAI adopted its current Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct, reinforcing its commitment to ethical AI practices. The same year, AAAI introduced the Open RAIL License initiative, which allows authors to release their code and models for open access while maintaining usage restrictions to ensure responsible use.

In recent years, AAAI has continued its tradition of recognising achievements in AI through various awards. In 2023, the AAAI Award for Artificial Intelligence for the Benefit of Humanity was given to Tuomas Sandholm for his contributions to AI that positively impact human life. The AAAI Feigenbaum Prize was awarded to Milind Tambe for his work in applying AI to security, healthcare, and conservation.

Today, AAAI remains a central organisation in the AI community. It hosts several annual conferences, including the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, AIIDE (Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment), and IAAI (Innovative Applications of Artificial Intelligence). AAAI is also actively engaged in educational initiatives, diversity efforts, and collaborations with organisations like ACM, INFORMS, and TeachAI. In 2024, AAAI will continue its commitment to advancing AI with conferences such as HCOMP-24 in Pittsburgh and AIES-24 in San Jose, further fostering research and collaboration within the global AI community

The Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) has clear goals and purposes centred around advancing the understanding and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The main purposes of AAAI are:

• Promote AI Research: AAAI aims to encourage and support research in AI to improve understanding of how intelligent systems work and how they can be applied in different areas.
• Responsible Use of AI: AAAI is committed to promoting the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies, ensuring that they benefit society without causing harm.
• Increase Public Understanding: The organisation seeks to improve public awareness and understanding of AI, providing accurate information to help people learn about AI’s capabilities and limitations.
• Education and Training: AAAI supports the education and training of AI professionals and students, helping to build the skills and knowledge needed to develop AI systems.
• Guide AI Development: AAAI plays a role in advising researchers, funders, and policymakers on the importance and potential of AI, guiding future developments and ensuring that AI progresses in ways that are beneficial to society.

The impact of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) on the field of AI has been significant. Since its founding in 1979, AAAI has played a central role in advancing research, fostering collaboration, and promoting ethical practices in AI. Through its conferences, such as the AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence and specialised events like the AI, Ethics, and Society (AIES) Conference, AAAI brings together researchers, practitioners, and students to share knowledge and discuss AI advancements.

AAAI has also had a major impact on education by supporting the training of future AI professionals. It offers grants, scholarships, and mentorship through initiatives like the AAAI Doctoral and Undergraduate Consortia. Furthermore, AAAI promotes responsible AI development with its Code of Professional Ethics and Conduct, ensuring that AI technologies are used in a way that benefits society.

AAAI recognises and celebrates excellence in AI through its awards, such as the Feigenbaum Prize and the Award for Artificial Intelligence for the Benefit of Humanity. These efforts encourage innovation and positive contributions to the field. Overall, AAAI has helped shape the development and responsible use of AI on a global scale.