Together with the Ministry of University and Research, the 8th edition of the Italian Research Day in the World (GRIM) was celebrated on April 22, 2025, in honor of the birth of Professor Rita Levi-Montalcini, Nobel Prize winner in Medicine in 1986 and the first Italian woman to receive such recognition in the scientific field.
This day represents an opportunity to promote a modern and dynamic image of Italy which, through its researchers working both at home and abroad, in the public and private sectors, produces high-quality science and innovation.
To celebrate Rita Levi-Montalcini, to whom this day is dedicated, the Italian Cultural Institute organized a seminar featuring three female scientists working in the United Arab Emirates, in line with the most recent UNESCO campaigns on STEM and women, aimed at increasing female representation in scientific disciplines. Science, therefore, as a tool for female empowerment.
The three researchers will present their latest studies on a highly relevant topic: Artificial Intelligence and its applications in the fields of knowledge. Specifically: Industrial Engineering, Biology & Physics, and Climatology — the respective fields of the three guest speakers, Concetta Semeraro, Giulia de Masi, and Diana Francis.
Seminar: AI Applications in the Knowledge
May 7 at 6:30 PM
Italian Cultural Institute Abu Dhabi
RSVP: https://applicationai.splashthat.com
Here are the short abstracts of the presentations
Dr. Giulia De Masi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Collective intelligence is the emergent capacity of systems composed of multiple interacting agents—whether biological, social, or artificial—to solve complex problems, adapt to dynamic environments, and coordinate effectively, all without centralized control. Nature offers striking examples: the coordinated motion of fish schools, the cooperative behavior of ant colonies, or the division of labor in bee hives. In this talk, we explore how these biological phenomena inspire the design of artificial systems. By translating nature’s strategies into algorithms, we show innovative, bio-inspired solutions in robotics and AI that are inherently resilient, adaptable, and capable of thriving in uncertain natural environments.
Dr. Diana Francis, Khalifa University
Archaeological sites in desert regions are very difficult to explore via the classical methods due to the vast areas to cover as well as access difficulties and sand movements over time. This delays the discovery of several sites of historical and cultural values as they remain buried underneath the sand.
High-resolution satellite observations coupled with machine learning can help identify potential areas to explore further. This is then complemented by geophysical surveys using P-band ground penetrating radar to refine the findings. In this talk, we will present this non-invasive and efficient solution and highlight the latest discoveries made using this approach including the detection of several sites in the UAE and several buried objects, indications of potential areas to excavate.
Dr. Concetta Semeraro, Phd, Assistant Professor, University of Sharjah (UOS)
In the current era of Industry 4.0 and Artificial Intelligence, the Digital Twin has evolved from a conceptual framework into a pivotal component of smart manufacturing and energy optimization. By generating dynamic, virtual replicas of physical assets, systems, and processes, Digital Twins enable real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making. Their implementation spans diverse industrial domains—enhancing precision in die casting operations, optimizing buoyancy systems for offshore applications, and improving energy efficiency in compressor systems. These intelligent digital counterparts are not only reshaping productivity and operational agility but also driving sustainability across critical sectors.