KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Title: Generative AI: Turning Imagination into Reality

Abstract:

Generative intelligence is revolutionizing the way we produce text, images, audio, video, and more. This keynote explores the parallels between the brain's ability to create mental imagery and contemporary AI architectures, emphasizing latent space as a crucial enabler of creative synthesis. By mapping high-dimensional representations, AI systems can interpolate and extrapolate beyond their training data to generate novel outputs. We will differentiate between discriminative and generative approaches, utilizing accessible analogies (such as Sherlock Holmes versus Picasso) to illustrate how models classify information versus how they create. Attendees will gain insights into major breakthroughs and see how each innovation has broadened the frontiers of AI capabilities. The presentation will also highlight real-world applications, including automated design, personalized content generation, accelerated drug discovery, and interactive educational tools. A live demonstration will showcase an end-to-end multi-agent LLM that generates 6G network simulation codes from text prompts.

Biography:

Farhad Rezazadeh is a Senior Applied AI/GenAI Scientist. He holds a Ph.D. (Excellent Cum Laude) in Signal Theory and Communications from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) in Barcelona and currently works as a Machine Learning Scientist in the Product and Growth department at Hostelworld Group. Previously, he served as a Visiting Associate Professor at UPC, a Senior Applied AI Engineer (Researcher) at the CTTC in Barcelona, and as a Research Assistant at the CCABA, also in Barcelona. He has contributed technical and leadership expertise to nine European and National R&D projects focused on applied AI/GenAI—work that earned recognition from the European Commission’s Innovation Radar and resulted in two EU patents. His international experience includes positions at NEC Laboratories Europe; the TUM university and the TUHH university in Germany; and the UdG university in Spain. A former Marie Skłodowska-Curie Ph.D. Fellow, he has won five grants from IEEE/IEEE ComSoc, two from the European Cooperation in Science and Technology, and a Catalan Government Ph.D. grant. He actively serves IEEE/IEEE ComSoc as an organizer, session chair, reviewer, technical program committee member, speaker, and guest editor for the Elsevier. As an active member of ACM and IEEE, he has authored over 36 publications, currently coordinates the IEEE TRUST-IoT Working Group, completed more than 270 peer reviews, and contributed to over 35 open-source AI/GenAI projects.

Title: The Journey of Journal Publishing

Abstract:

Publishing a research article is a journey! We will discuss challenges and advice on preparing, submitting, and revising research manuscripts to increase the probability of acceptance at a top-tier journal. The insights are based on my experiences as editor-in-chief (EIC) of three journals, the first being Internet Research (Emerald, Impact Factor of 3.0 at the end of my tenure), the second being the interim editor of International Journal of Information Management (Elsevier) and currently of Information Processing & Management (Elsevier, Impact Factor of 7.4). The focus will be on the mechanics of the journey, including cover letters, items on a manuscript checklist, what happens to your manuscript once submitted, handling communication with the EIC and other editors, the crafting of the response to the reviewers, the revising of the manuscript, and polishing the accepted article. We will also touch on the influence of citations, impact factors, and the contribution of reviewing the academic research process in what will hopefully be a discussion more than a presentation. The takeaways will be tactics to improve your chances for a top-tier journal acceptance.

Biography:

Jim Jansen is a Principal Scientist at the Qatar Computing Research Institute working on automatically visualizing user data. He is a West Point graduate with a Ph.D. in computer science from Texas A&M University. Professor Jansen is editor-in-chief of Information Processing & Management, former interim editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Information Management, and former editor-in-chief of Internet Research. He has received several awards and honors, including an ACM Research Award, six application development awards, a product innovation award, and a university-level teaching award, along with other writing, publishing, research, teaching, and leadership honors. Dr. Jansen has authored or co-authored nearly 400 research publications, with articles appearing in a multi-disciplinary range of journals and conferences. He is a co-author of the books Data-Driven Personas (Springer Nature) and Understanding Audiences, Customers, and Users via Analytics (Springer Nature). For more information, see https://www.bernardjjansen.com

Title: Regulation of Data and AI, why it is important

Abstract:

The talk focuses on regulatory aspects of implementing Data management and AI techniques in products to be sold in the European Union common market. AI Act, Data Act, Data Governance Act and related standardization activities in ETSI and CEN/CENELEC are discussed. The audience has the possibility to know the basic of why regulation is so important and why it affects both academia and industry alike. A 20 min talk will be followed by an open Q&A session with the audience.

Biography:

Valerio Frascolla (MSc and PhD in Electronic Engineering) works as Director of Research and Innovation at Intel, previously at Ancona University, Comneon, and Infineon. He serves as advisory board member of 11 European research programs and has contributed to 25 research projects. He has expertise in wireless systems, standardization, and business aspects. His research domains are wireless systems design (Wi-Fi & cellular), spectrum management, edge computing, processing at the convergence of Data & AI, HW-optimization of AI & ML algorithms, sustainable & green technologies, AI & Data regulation and standardization. Valerio represents Intel in European associations, e.g., as Vice-President of BDVA, is author of 100+ peer-reviewed publications, and volunteers for the research community being TPC member of 200+ conferences and reviewer for 90+ journals..

Title: Understanding Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) Concepts, Challenges, and IT Applications

Abstract:

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) are transforming the way organizations process information, create content, and interact with technology. This talk provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental concepts behind generative AI and LLMs, including their architectures, training approaches, and capabilities. It explores the challenges these technologies present, such as data bias, ethical considerations, computational requirements, and the risk of misinformation. The session also highlights practical IT applications, ranging from intelligent chatbots and automated code generation to content creation, knowledge management, and decision support systems. Attendees will gain both a conceptual understanding and practical insights into leveraging generative AI responsibly and effectively in diverse information technology contexts..

Biography:

Izzat M. Alsmadi is a Professor of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at Texas A&M University–San Antonio, where he also serves as the Director of Research Computing. From 2021 to 2023, he held dual leadership roles as Chair of the Department of Computing and Cyber Security and Graduate Program Coordinator, during which he significantly expanded graduate enrollment and developed three advanced degree programs: MS in Computer Science, MS in Cybersecurity, and a PhD in Cybersecurity. Dr. Alsmadi has an extensive academic background with a Ph.D. in Software Engineering from North Dakota State University, and his research focuses on cybersecurity, machine learning, and adversarial AI. He has authored and co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and several books. He actively mentors both graduate and undergraduate students in research, often resulting in co-authored publications and conference presentations. His recent awards include the 2023 Senior Scholarly Research or Artistic Achievement Award and the 2019 Junior Scholarly Research Award from Texas A&M University–San Antonio. He is also the principal investigator for the NSF-funded ARCATS project, which accelerates research computing at TAMUSA.