Wiley, one of the world’s largest publishers and a global leader in research and learning, announced it will provide access to a curated collection of Earth science research materials to help enhance the training and capabilities of the European Space Agency's Earth Virtual Expert (EVE). Wiley signed an agreement with Pi School, which is leading the development of the EVE project for ESA's Φ-lab. EVE is a fine-tuned large language model designed to transform how researchers and the public access and engage with Earth Observation and Earth science research and information.

The EVE project, developed by Pi School with support from Imperative Space, is creating an innovative virtual expert capable of answering queries about Earth Observation and Earth science in natural language. Pi School's mission is to empower businesses and individuals by delivering cutting-edge AI solutions tailored to real-world challenges. The system will be built by enhancing an existing AI language model with specialized Earth science knowledge and the ability to reference and cite specific scientific sources in its responses.

In support of this endeavor, Wiley will license a collection of published research, such as scientific journals, including those from the American Geophysical Union (AGU) publishing program, books from Wiley’s Earth science portfolio, and Q&A courseware materials.

A strong supporter of open science practices, AGU’s contribution of content to the project will provide a key test of the beneficial use of AI technology for the geosciences with an emphasis on ethical use, transparency, and proper attribution.

"This landmark agreement in support of the European Space Agency's EVE project represents a significant step forward in making authoritative scientific knowledge more accessible, actionable and attributable," said Jay Flynn, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Research & Learning for Wiley. "Wiley’s innovative collaboration with Pi School will help unlock new possibilities in Earth Observation research for scientists and researchers worldwide."

During the initial phase, EVE will be piloted with 200 experts from ESA and authorized external researchers, who will help refine the system's capabilities. The platform will feature an innovative web interface designed to make Earth Observation information more accessible and impactful for both specialists and the broader public. Proper attribution guidelines will be followed. Additionally, a user-based survey to further shape EVE into the communities’ desired use-cases.

"The development of EVE represents a key step toward Φ-lab's vision of broadening engagement with Earth Observation data," said Nicolas Longépé, Earth Observation Data Scientist at ESA Φ-lab. "This virtual expert aims to transform how users explore and understand Earth Observation insights to expand their understanding of our atmosphere, climate, and oceans."

Wiley is committed to the responsible use of AI and has officially established core principles, focusing on the importance of human oversight, transparency, fairness, and appropriate governance, upon which its AI journey is grounded. Wiley is actively pursuing AI opportunities but also thoughtfully managing the risks.

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