Applications areas are environmental data processing and the analysis of genetic databases, cognitive science and human-computer interaction. Basic research focuses on new neural network architectures and learning algorithms, as well as on the combination of neural networks with other methods. The NRC is also involved in the development of new software tools and programming methods for connectionist supercomputers. Another application investigates the training of neural networks on the large database of Australian Breeding Values for dairy cattle. The purpose is to extract a mapping that when given the genetic traits of a dam and the desired traits of an offspring will return the genetic traits of the sire most likely to produce such an offspring.
Basic research includes the study of the transparency of neural network solutions.
Experience with expert systems has shown that the ability to generate explanations is absolutely crucial for the user-acceptance of AI systems. In contrast to symbolic systems, neural networks have no explicit, declarative knowledge representation and therefore have considerable difficulties in generating explanation structures. The ISRC has developed an international and national reputation for research, education and consultancy in all aspects of security and control in information systems and data networks. This reputation has beenconfirmed by the number of international visitors to the Centre aswell as requests from industry and government bodies for consultancy and applied research activities. The ISRC has organised its research activities around project groups.