Umeå University and RISE launch AI research and secure testing initiatives

Researchers at Umeå University have launched a 1.9 million SEK project to investigate how artificial intelligence can support high school education without replacing critical thinking. Led by Eva Mårell-Olsson, the study focuses on 'productive friction,' a method where students are encouraged to pause, evaluate AI-generated suggestions, and justify their own conclusions rather than simply accepting automated answers.

In a separate development, the research institute RISE is introducing an AI 'sandbox' to allow authorities, municipalities, and companies to test AI models using sensitive information. This technical environment uses dedicated servers that can operate without an internet connection, ensuring data remains within the organization's network. The initiative aims to help organizations implement AI for tasks like document summarization and meeting transcription while maintaining strict data security.