Ang Chen from the University of Michigan presented a talk at MBZUAI on reducing cloud manageability burdens. The talk covered detecting semantic errors before cloud deployment and curating datasets for automated generation of cloud management programs. He introduced the concept of "cloudless computing" to free tenants from cloud management tasks. Why it matters: This research direction could simplify cloud infrastructure management for businesses in the UAE and beyond, allowing them to focus on core activities.
A professor from EPFL (Lausanne) gave a talk at MBZUAI on computing in the post-Moore era, highlighting the slowing of Moore's Law due to physical limits in transistor miniaturization. He discussed research challenges and opportunities for future computing technologies. He presented examples of post-Moore technologies he helped develop in the datacenter space. Why it matters: As Moore's Law slows, research into alternative computing paradigms becomes critical for the continued advancement of AI and digital services in the UAE and globally.
Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi has launched the UAE’s first secure cloud technologies programme via its Cryptography Research Center (CRC). The program will focus on advancing Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) like fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) and secure multi-party computation (MPC). TII researchers are also developing hardware accelerators to improve the efficiency of FHE. Why it matters: The initiative addresses growing security and privacy challenges in cloud computing, positioning the UAE as a leader in advanced cryptographic solutions for data protection.
Prof. Chun Jason Xue from the City University of Hong Kong presented research on optimizing mobile memory and storage by analyzing mobile application characteristics, noting their differences from server applications. The research explores system software designs inherited from the Linux kernel and identifies optimization opportunities in mobile memory and storage management. Xue's work aims to enhance user experience on mobile devices through mobile application characterization, focusing on non-volatile and flash memories. Why it matters: Optimizing mobile systems based on the unique characteristics of mobile applications can significantly improve device performance and user experience in the region.
Communications Physics journal has a focus collection on space quantum communications. The collection covers supporting technologies, new quantum protocols, inter-satellite QKD, constellations of satellites, and quantum inspired technologies and protocols for space based communication. Contributions are welcome from October 20, 2020 to April 30, 2021, and accepted papers are published on a rolling basis. Why it matters: Space-based quantum communication is a critical area for developing secure, global quantum networks, and this collection could highlight relevant research for the GCC region as it invests in advanced technologies.
A presentation discusses using programmable network devices to reduce communication bottlenecks in distributed deep learning. It explores in-network aggregation and data processing to lower memory needs and increase bandwidth usage. The talk also covers gradient compression and the potential role of programmable NICs. Why it matters: Optimizing distributed deep learning infrastructure is critical for scaling AI model training in resource-constrained environments.
MBZUAI's Qirong Ho and colleagues are developing an Artificial Intelligence Operating System (AIOS) for decarbonization, aiming to reduce energy waste in AI development. The AIOS focuses on improving communication efficiency between machines during AI model training, as inefficient communication leads to prolonged tasks and increased energy consumption. This system addresses the high computing power demands of large language models like ChatGPT and LLaMA-2. Why it matters: By optimizing energy usage in AI development, the AIOS could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of AI technologies in the region and globally.