Chatbot Feasibility Study | Natural Hazards Research Australia

Chatbot Feasibility Study

Photo: Google DeepMind, Unsplash
Research theme

Evidence-informed policy, strategy and foresight

Project type

Commissioned research

Project status

Expressions of Interest

This project aims to conduct a feasibility study for integrating a Large Language Model (LLM) powered chatbot to enhance access to research project-related information across Natural Hazards Research Australia.

This project is currently open for Request for Proposals (RFP).

Project teams responding to this Request for Proposal are required to submit their response in less than or equal to 10 pages clearly addressing the statement of requirements set out in the RFP.

RFPs are due by 5:00pm AEST on 6 May 2025 to research@naturalhazards.com.au.

Project details

As more data becomes available, developing easy-to-use tools for searching data offers a significant opportunity to improve accessibility and engagement. Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots that use Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) can help users quickly ask questions about data and engage with research results in a simple, conversational way. This technology can streamline workflow, reduce the time spent on finding data and improve decision-making by giving relevant answers. This will lead to greater engagement with the Centre's collection of research outputs.

Given the opportunities, risks and constraints discussed in the RFP, the Centre would like to evaluate the feasibility of RAG implementation within our information and technology systems. The main objectives are to:

  • provide a background of RAG as a technology
  • outline any non-technological issues or constraints
  • identify potential use cases
  • develop at least three options for implementation
  • compare these options using SWOT analysis and cost/time estimates.

Frequently asked questions

Q) Why is DeepSeek of specific interest over other LLMs (especially when the Federal Government has requested no use of DeepSeek and by the time the contract is signed there could be another model available)?

A) The Centre is not a government entity, although we seek to align with the Commonwealth Government where feasible (given our best interests).
DeepSeek was only mentioned as an example due to it being one of few open-source, high-performing LLMs which can operate on consumer-grade, relatively inexpensive hardware and is permissively licensed under MIT.
The Centre is open to additional options beyond the three outlined (these are the minimum).