2024 Keynote Speakers

 

Prof. Farid Meziane (Head of the Data Science Research Centre)
University of Derby, UK

Speech Title: Exploiting Web Resources to Support Automatic Course Design

Abstract: With the rapid advances in E-learning systems, personalisation and adaptability have now become important features in the education technology. Furthermore, there are many countries that are struggling to attract teachers in some disciplines such as computer science. This talk will focus on the development of an architecture for A Personalised and Adaptable E-Learning System (APELS) that attempts to contribute to addressing some of these challenges.
APELS aims to provide a personalised and adaptable learning environment to users from the freely available resources on the Web. Hence allowing individuals and teaching institutions to take advantage of Artificial Intelligence and the availability of learning resources. The architecture makes use of an ontology to model a specific learning subject and to extract the relevant learning resources from the Web based on a learner’s model (the learners background, needs and learning styles). The APELS system uses natural language processing techniques to evaluate the content extracted from relevant resources against a set of learning outcomes as defined by standard curricula to enable the appropriate learning of the subject. An application in the computer science field is used to illustrate the working mechanisms of the APELS system and its evaluation based on the ACM/IEEE computing curriculum. An experimental evaluation was conducted with domain experts to evaluate whether APELS can produce the right learning material that suits the learning needs of a learner. The results show that the produced content by APELS is of a good quality and satisfies the learning outcomes for teaching purposes.

Biography: Farid Meziane is a professor of Data Science, Head of the Data Science Research Centre, the University’s lead for the Data Science academic research theme and the chair of the college of Science and Engineering Research Committee at the University of Derby, UK. He obtained a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Salford, UK on his work on producing formal specification from Natural Language requirements. The work was considered at that time as pioneering in the area and paved the way for a large interest in automating the production of software specifications from informal requirements.
He has authored over 200 scientific papers and participated in many national and international research projects. He is the co-chair of the international conference on application of Natural Language to information systems; co-chair of the international conference on Information Science and Systems. He is serving in the programme committee of over ten international conferences. He is an associate editor for the data and knowledge engineering (Elsevier) journal and the managing editor of the International Journal of Information Technology and Web Engineering (IDEA publishing). He was awarded the Highly Commended Award from the Literati Club, 2001 for his paper on Intelligent Systems in Manufacturing: Current Development and Future Prospects. His research expertise includes Natural Language processing, semantic computing, data mining and big data and knowledge Engineering.

Webpage: https://www.derby.ac.uk/staff/farid-meziane/

 

Prof. Tarek M. Sobh
(Fellow of African Academy of Sciences, Fellow of The Engineering Society of Detroit)

President
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Lawrence Technological University, USA

Distinguished Professor and Dean of Engineering Emeritus
University of Bridgeport, USA

Speech Title: The Future Reimagined: Disruptive Technologies and the Dawn of the Autonomous Age

Abstract: The world stands on the threshold of an era defined by extraordinary technological disruptions, poised to reshape every facet of life, industry, and education. Emerging innovations—from generative AI and autonomous robotics to personalized medicine and electric, sustainable mobility—are converging to create unprecedented transformations in the workforce, evolving job roles, and altering the way we approach learning, research, and daily interactions. As autonomous systems infiltrate fields once thought impossible to automate, new paradigms of smart cities, sustainable infrastructures, and personalized experiences are rapidly redefining modern existence. In this evolving landscape, traditional skill sets will be augmented by interdisciplinary agility, professional excellence, and deep technological acumen—hallmarks of the Lawrence Technological University approach.

In this keynote address, we will explore how these disruptive technologies are setting the stage for a radically reimagined future. We will delve into the transformative potential of these advancements, discussing not only the promise they hold but also the profound societal shifts they necessitate. By aligning our focus on technological eminence, industry immersion, and research-driven innovation, we, as educators and industry leaders, have the unique responsibility to equip the next generation for roles that are yet to be defined, guiding them to become leaders in a world where theory must not only meet practice but push the boundaries of what is conceivable.

Biography: Professor Tarek M. Sobh received the B.Sc. in Engineering degree with honors in Computer Science and Automatic Control from the Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Egypt in 1988, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer and Information Science from the School of Engineering, University of Pennsylvania in 1989 and 1991, respectively. He is currently the President and a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Lawrence Technological University (LTU), Michigan. He is also a Distinguished Professor and Dean of Engineering Emeritus at the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
He was the Provost at LTU (2020-2021), and has served as the University of Bridgeport (UB) Executive Vice President, Research and Economic Development, and the Founding Dean of the College of Engineering, Business, and Education (2018-2020), Interim Provost (2020), and Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Computer Science (2010-2020). He was the Founding Director of the Interdisciplinary Robotics, Intelligent Sensing, and Control (RISC) laboratory (1995-2020), the Founder of the High-Tech Business Incubator at UB (CTech IncUBator) (2010-2011), and the Founding Director of the UB Innovation Center (2019-2020). He was the Senior Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research (2014-2018), Vice President (2008-2014), Vice Provost (2006-2008), Dean of the School of Engineering (1999-2018), Interim Dean of the School of Business, Director of External Engineering Programs, Interim Chair of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, and Chair of the Department of Technology Management. He also served as a Professor of Computer, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science (2000-2010) and an Associate Professor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering (1995-1999) at UB, a Research Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering, University of Utah (1992-1995), and a Research Fellow at the General Robotics and Active Sensory Perception (GRASP) Laboratory of the University of Pennsylvania from (1989-1991).
His background is in the fields of computer science and engineering, STEM Education, control theory, robotics, automation, manufacturing, AI, computer vision and signal processing. He has published over 275 refereed journal and conference papers, and book chapters in these and other areas, in addition to 27 books. Dr. Sobh served or currently serves on the editorial boards of 18 journals, and has served as Chair, Technical Program Chair and on the program committees of over 300 international conferences and workshops in the Robotics, Computer Vision, Automation, Sensing, Computing, Systems, Control, Online Engineering and Engineering Education areas. He has presented more than 150 keynote speeches, invited talks and lectures, colloquia and seminars at research meetings, University departments, research centers, and companies.
Professor Sobh has supervised over 50 award-winning graduate and undergraduate students working on different projects within robotics, prototyping, computer vision, control, and manufacturing; in addition to more than 300 undergraduate and graduate students working on their B.S. projects, Master's thesis or Ph.D. dissertations. Dr. Sobh is active in consulting and providing service to many industrial organizations and companies. He has consulted for several companies in the U.S., Switzerland, India, Malaysia, England, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan and Egypt, to support projects in higher education, robotics, automation, manufacturing, sensing, and control. He has also worked at Philips Laboratories in New York, and a number of companies in Egypt. Dr. Sobh has been awarded over 60 research awards and grants to pursue his work in robotics, automation, STEM education, manufacturing, and sensing.
Dr. Sobh is a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences, a member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, and a Fellow of the Engineering Society of Detroit. Dr. Sobh is a recipient of the ASEE Northeastern U.S. Distinguished Engineering Professor of the Year award, the IEEE Northeast Technological Innovation Research Award, an ACE Higher Education Award and several other merits in recognition of his educational, research, scholarly and service activities in engineering, education, computing and diversity initiatives. Dr. Sobh is a Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer (P.E.), a Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, a Certified Professional Manager (C.M.) by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers at James Madison University, a Certified Reliability Engineer (C.R.E.) by the American Society for Quality, a member of Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society), Sigma Xi (Scientific Research Society), Phi Beta Delta (International Honor Society), Upsilon Pi Epsilon (National Honor Society for the Computing Sciences), Phi Kappa Phi (Academic Honor Society), and an honorary member of Delta Mu Delta (National Honor Society for Business Administration).
Dr. Sobh is a trustee, senior member, founding, executive, or board member of several professional organizations including; the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE), National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), International Association of Online Engineering (IAOE), Bridgeport Discovery Museum, American University of Iraq – Baghdad (AUIB), Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities Association (MICU), Detroit Economic Club (DEC), Association of Independent Technological Universities (AITU), Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC), Automation Alley, and the Centrepolis Accelerator. Dr. Sobh is a graduate of Victoria College, Alexandria, Egypt, in 1983 and a life member of the Old Victorians Association.

 

Assoc. Prof. Harry Yu
University of Derby, UK

Speech Title: Generative AI (LLM) for Software Engineering: Current Work and Challenges and Future Directions

Abstract: The keynote addresses the transformative role of Generative AI, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), in revolutionizing software engineering. It explores how generative models are reshaping traditional development phases, from ideation and coding to testing and deployment. Tracing the evolution from Waterfall to Agile, and now to AI-driven software product engineering, we examine how generative AI supports development by automating complex tasks such as code generation, UI design, microservices management, and data orchestration. Practical applications demonstrate LLMs’ capabilities in code completion, error detection, and natural language programming, which streamline development and increase productivity. Additionally, this presentation highlights enterprise-level integration, where AI-driven orchestration of multi-source data and cloud architecture enables the rapid development of tailored data products.
The presentation also addresses critical challenges: quality control, reliability, security, and ethical considerations. With unpredictability in output and potential vulnerabilities in AI-generated code, establishing quality control protocols and building trust is essential. Ethical concerns surrounding accountability and transparency are examined, underscoring the need for explainable AI in critical applications. Future directions are outlined, emphasizing the potential for new communication protocols and AI-enhanced security measures that will facilitate smoother integration within Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) frameworks. This keynote presents a comprehensive look at both the capabilities and the responsibilities associated with generative AI in software engineering, offering insights into its future potential and the evolving role of AI-assisted development.

Biography: Dr. Hongqing (Harry) Yu, a distinguished Associate Professor in Data Science at the University of Derby, serves as both the Chair of the Master's Teaching Committee and the leader of the master's degree portfolio within the School of Computing. His career is marked by leading several high-profile projects funded by European and UK bodies, including two pivotal Innovate UK research projects focused on digital twins in the aerospace sector and a knowledge exchange partnership project dedicated to multimodal data analytics for rail inspection.
With a Ph.D. in Data Science domain and MSc in Software Engineering from the University of Leicester, Dr. Yu has made significant contributions to the fields of data analytics and generative AI. His research ambitiously spans big data analytics, machine learning, service-oriented programming, and the practical application of Large Language Models (LLMs), achieving remarkable progress in healthcare system, digital twins for engineering, and sports analytics. Recent research on combining Natural Langue Processing and knowledge graph technologies for developing intelligent systems in bioengineering and automative data analysis published in high impact journals recently have create great impacts in both academia and industry.
Since he joined University of Derby, his research is extended into more engineering and applied AI area with his extensive knowledge gained from his previous research. He is currently leading research projects with Bloc Digital on digital twins and knowledge exchange partnership project dedicated to multimodal data analytics for inspection problems illustrated the big achievements of gaining recognitions of his AI research. He also supervised 12 Ph.D. students, demonstrating his commitment to fostering the next generation of scientists in AI and data science. His academic prowess is further evidenced by his authorship of over 50 publications and his leadership roles in several internationally renowned, high-impact journals. Recognized for his groundbreaking work, Dr. Yu was honored with the University of Derby's Exceptional Contribution Award in 2023, underscoring his influential role in advancing the frontiers of computer science research and education.

 

Dr. Branislav Vuksanovic (Deputy Head of Department of Systems Engineering)
Military Technological College, Oman

 

Speech Title: Challenges and Advances in Facial Expression Recognition: From Manual Analysis to Deep Learning

Abstract: Facial expression recognition (FER) has evolved significantly from early manual recognition methods to sophisticated automatic systems powered by machine learning and deep learning. This keynote will explore the historical progression of FER, highlighting the shift from first attempts of manual recognition to hand-crafted feature-based algorithms to fully automatic approaches using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Key challenges, such as the limitations of existing databases, the complexity of real-world expression recognition, and the impact of variables like image resolution and ambiguous facial expressions, will be discussed. The talk will also address ongoing research efforts aimed at improving the accuracy of FER in dynamic and unconstrained environments, as well as the complexities of cross-database FER, recognition of mixed emotions and subtle expressions. Finally, the presentation will provide insights into the future of FER technology and its potential applications in real-world settings.

Biography: Dr. Branislav Vuksanovic is an Electrical and Power Engineer, with a long academic and professional career. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Belgrade, Serbia, and later earned his MSc degree in Measurement and Instrumentation at South Bank University in London, UK. He went on to complete his PhD in Active Noise Control at the University of Huddersfield, UK.
Dr. Vuksanovic has a career history, which includes working as a Project Engineer for the Croatian Electricity Board in Osijek, Croatia, and as a Research Fellow at Sheffield and Birmingham Universities on medical imaging research projects. At the University of Derby, he worked as a Lecturer and was a member of the Sensors and Controls Research Group. He moved to theUniversity of Portsmouth where he first worked as a Senior Lecturer and later as an Associate Head of School for Research and Innovation at the School of Energy and Electronic Engineering. Currently he is a Deputy Head of Department of Systems Engineering at the Military Technological College in Oman.
He has written and published research papers, including those in the areas of active noise control, biomedical signal processing, and pattern recognition for intrusion detection and knowledge-based authentication. He has also authored a book in the Digital Electronics and Microcontrollers field, and organized and chaired several international conferences and workshops. Dr. Vuksanovic currently serves as an Editor-In Chief for the Journal of Image and Graphics and is a member of the IET and ASR. His current research interests revolve around the application of pattern recognition techniques for power systems, acoustic noise analysis and the processing of ground-penetrating radar data.

 

Invited Speaker

 

Dr. Sokratis Karkalas
University of Derby, UK

 

Speech Title: SMILE: Building a SMart Interactive Learning Ecosystem for 21st-Century Education

Abstract: Global educational and industry agendas increasingly emphasize the importance of digital competencies and 21st-century skills. This talk focuses on the design and implementation of a learning platform that, through an innovative integration and interoperability mechanism, supports the creation of an ecosystem of diverse learning components. These components can be combined with emerging technologies to generate highly interactive, intelligent, and adaptable learning activities that address the needs of 21st-century learners.
The platform enables the seamless integration of heterogeneous components and transforms them into "factories" for generating personalized learning activities. These activities can be epiphytically enhanced with automated support and adaptability features. Furthermore, the platform captures learner interactions, providing teachers and learning designers with customizable analytics. These analytics allow for the refinement and optimization of learning scenarios and plans.
A key objective of this project is to democratize the use of technology by promoting the reusability and accessibility of existing tools. The platform enables freely available web-based tools to be reused, enhanced, and combined into dynamic learning ecosystems, fostering the creation of engaging and personalized learning experiences.
The web offers a vast array of components, from dynamic geometry and computational thinking tools to OWL reasoners and visualization frameworks. Integrating these components into a unified platform and making them interoperable enhances their value. Additionally, providing automated support, analytics, and authorability features for non-technical users reduces barriers to entry and increases accessibility, amplifying their impact.
Drawing on lessons from several EU Horizon and other projects, including the latest ExtenDT2 EU Horizon project, this talk will present insights and future directions for the development and implementation of such learning platforms.

Biography: Dr. Sokratis Karkalas has been working at the intersection of industry and education since 1991. He holds degrees in economics, business administration, computer science, and pedagogy. Currently, he is a Senior Lecturer in Software Engineering at the University of Derby, where he leads two BEng degrees in Software Engineering and heads the Education and AI Research Group. He also serves as a Visiting Research Fellow at the UCL Knowledge Lab, University of London.
Dr. Karkalas earned his PhD in Computer Science from the University of London, where he was awarded the Best PhD Project Award by INSTICC (Institute for Systems and Technologies of Information, Control and Communication) in 2015. He is an accredited TOGAF Enterprise Architect, a member of the Association of Enterprise Architects (UK), an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), and a member of the British Computer Society – The Chartered Institute for IT.
Prior to his academic career, Dr. Karkalas held the position of Group Chief Information Officer (CIO) for a multinational industrial group and worked as a senior / lead software engineer and project architect at major consulting firms. In these roles, he led the design and development of prototypes for R&D departments. He has contributed to numerous research projects - academic and industrial - funded by the EU, local governments (ESRC/EPSRC), and the private sector.
With over 25 years of academic experience, including 17 years at leading UK universities, Dr. Karkalas' research focuses on computer-supported education, particularly the application of artificial intelligence to improve learning. He applies machine learning techniques to provide personalized support to both students and educators. Dr. Karkalas also has extensive experience designing and implementing information systems for educational and industrial applications, as well as working on technologies that enable the semantic enhancement, integration, and interoperability of diverse components within learning platforms.