On the AI frontline
Adam Hepworth, a former student at St Virgil’s College and Guilford Young College has been drafted to an exclusive international panel steering the future of Artificial Intelligence in the military.
Adam, who attended St Virgil’s 2001-2004, currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and is the director of Army’s Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation and Coordination Office (RICO). In this role, Adam, who holds a PhD in Computer Science, leads the advancement of emerging technology, including robotics, autonomous systems, AI and autonomy for the Australian Army.
He received an invitation from the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs to join the Expert Advisory Group for the Global Commission on Responsible AI in the Military Domain and is the only military or government representative from Australia appointed among the commission’s 50-strong membership.
Lieutenant Colonel Hepworth will use his practical military experience with AI to help the commission develop a strategic guidance report identifying short and long-term recommendations regarding policy, governance, law, and the implications for decision-making.
LtCol Hepworth said his STEM career within the Defence Force had provided an ideal platform for both his academic and professional pursuits.
“I’ve had an atypical career path in the Army, having been afforded incredible opportunities to contribute within STEM areas".
"Technology and innovation are fields I’ve been passionate about since my schooling in Hobart, and I’m thankful that Defence has allowed me to apply this passion, and in doing so has enabled me to provide a meaningful contribution in return.”
Adam holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the University of South Australia, a Graduate Diploma in Scientific Computation and a Master of Science in Operations Research from the United States Naval Postgraduate School, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from the University of New South Wales.
He is a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales and an Expert Member on the Global Commission for Responsible AI in the Military.
(ref. Australian Army Research Centre website)
Younger Brother Ben is a high flier
As recounted in March 2021 edition of OVAtions, Flight Lieutenant Ben Hepworth graduated from the College in 2006 and began flying at age of 16.
He began his RAAF career in 2009 and graduated flying training on 222 Pilots Course in 2011. On completion of his pilot’s course he was posted to No.10 Squadron in SA, where he flew the AP3C Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft. During this time he was involved in various exercises and regional operations, including the search for MH370.
Ben completed Flying Instructors Course in 2016 and instructed the basic pilot’s course in Tamworth, NSW, flying the CT4B and at No.1 Flying Training School on the PC-21. He was posted to Central Flying School in 2020 and joined the Roulettes for the 2021 season.
