Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has appointed Alessio Figali and Pierre-Louis Lions to the Board of Advisors of its Artificial Intelligence Cross-Center Unit (AICCU). Figali is known for his work in Optimal Transport with applications to Machine Learning, while Lions is renowned for his work in Mean Field Game Theory with applications for the design of AI based Distributed Networks. Both are Fields Medal recipients and will advise the AI Cross-Center Unit in areas related to Machine Learning and Distributed AI, respectively. Why it matters: The addition of these eminent scientists will bolster TII's AI research capabilities and credibility in shaping the future of AI in the region.
Professor Marco Amabili, advisor at the Advanced Materials Research Center (AMRC), received the 'Cataldo Agostinelli and Angiola Gili Agostinelli' International Prize from the Lincei National Academy of Sciences of Italy. The award recognizes Prof. Amabili's research in mechanical vibrations, composite structures, and vascular biomechanics. He received the award in Rome from Nobel laureate Professor Giorgio Parisi. Why it matters: The recognition highlights the growing international visibility of UAE-based researchers and the increasing commitment of UAE institutions like TII to deep-tech research.
KAUST welcomes five new faculty members for the new school year: Andrea Falqui, Daniele Daffonchio, Athanasios Tzavaras, Ying Sun, and Carlo Liberale. The new faculty members come from diverse backgrounds and bring expertise in areas such as bioscience, microbial ecology, and nanostructure imaging. They will contribute to KAUST's vision through research, teaching, and collaboration. Why it matters: The addition of new faculty enhances KAUST's research capabilities and educational offerings, fostering innovation and attracting top talent to the region.
Emilio Porcu from Khalifa University presented on temporally evolving generalized networks, where graphs evolve over time with changing topologies. The presentation addressed challenges in building semi-metrics and isometric embeddings for these networks. The research uses kernel specification and network-based metrics and is illustrated using a traffic accident dataset. Why it matters: This work advances the application of kernel methods to dynamic graph structures, relevant for modeling evolving relationships in various domains.
KAUST Ph.D. student Adel Bibi is researching how to bridge the gap between theory and practice in deep learning, focusing on the mathematical understanding of deep learning models. Bibi is currently interning at Intel in Munich and previously worked on various computer vision problems. He aims to use optimization and mathematics to better understand deep learning models and build better models systematically from theory. Why it matters: This research contributes to the fundamental understanding of deep learning, potentially leading to more efficient and reliable AI systems developed in the region.
KAUST researcher Corrado Calì won an award at the Brainstorming Research Assembly for Young Neuroscientists (BraYn) in Italy for his work on glycogen modulation and synapse stabilization. Calì presented research in collaboration with KAUST Professor Andrea Falqui and Dr. Elena Vezzoli from the University of Milan, investigating the lactate shuttle's involvement in synaptic plasticity. Calì and KAUST colleagues are also collaborating with the Blue Brain Project to produce a computer simulation of astrocyte-neuron coupling, using 3D virtual reality to investigate brain cell morphologies at the nanoscale. Why it matters: This award recognizes KAUST's contribution to neuroscience research and highlights the university's collaborative efforts in understanding brain plasticity and developing advanced tools for studying brain structures.
KAUST Assistant Professor Raphaël Huser received the American Statistical Association's 2019 Section on Statistics and the Environment Early Investigator Award for his contributions to environmental statistics. Huser's research focuses on developing models for extreme events observed in space and time. He leads the KAUST extSTAT research group, which develops statistical models to understand the stochastic behavior of rare events. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty highlights the university's growing prominence in statistical research and its application to environmental challenges in the region.
KAUST postdoctoral fellow Adrian Galilea is working at the Catalysis Center on sustainable production of chemicals from carbon dioxide. The research involves synthesizing a catalyst for the hydrogenation of CO2 to olefins and aromatics. The new material reportedly converts CO2 to these chemicals with high selectivity and productivity. Why it matters: Developing sustainable chemical production methods could reduce reliance on fossil fuels and address climate change.