Keynote Speeches

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Keynote Speech 1: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Mulsemedia Communication Networks: Challenges and Opportunities
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Prof. Gheorghita (George) Ghinea
Brunel University of London
Abstract: Traditionally, multimedia applications have primarily engaged two of the human senses - the audio and the visual - out of the five possible. With recent advances in computational technology, it is now possible to talk of applications that engage the other three senses, as well: tactile, olfaction, and gustatory. This integration leads to a paradigm shift away from the old multimedia towards the new mulsemedia - multiple sensorial media. In his talk, Dr. Ghinea is going to focus on the issue of the perceptual experience of multimedia and how Artificial Intelligence has opened new and sometimes challenging opportunities for mulsemedia applications over modern 5G networks.
Biography: Dr. Gheorghita (George) Ghinea is a Professor in Mulsemedia Computing in the Department of Computer Science, at Brunel University. Dr. Ghinea's research activities lie at the confluence of Computer Science, Media and Psychology. In particular, his work focuses on the area of perceptual multimedia quality and how one builds end-to-end communication systems incorporating user perceptual requirements. To this end, recognising the infotainment duality of multimedia, Dr. Ghinea proposed the Quality of Perception metric as a more complete characterisation of the human side of the multimedia perceptual experience. Dr. Ghinea has applied his expertise in areas such as eye-tracking, telemedicine, multimodal interaction, and ubiquitous and mobile computing, leading a team of 8 researchers in these areas. He has over 400 publications in his research field, is in the Stanford list of top 2% cited scientists in the world, and his research has been funded by both national and international organisations. Dr. Ghinea also consults regularly for both public and private institutions in his areas of expertise.
Keynote Speech 2: Navigating Artificial Intelligence for Education
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Prof. Eleni Mangina
University College Dublin
Abstract: The landscape of HE is rapidly evolving with the integration of several AI tools. These tools are impacting HE, inﬂuencing both professional practices, the way institutions operate, and pedagogical practices, how students learn and educators teach. Regarding professional practice, in the administrative sphere, AI streamlines daily tasks, freeing up valuable staff time and minimising errors. Tools automate scheduling, attendance tracking, resource allocation, and even document management tasks related to academic writing. Beyond automation, AI-driven data analytics empower data-driven decision-making. These tools translate student performance and resource utilisation data into actionable insights that inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and curriculum development. Furthermore, AI is transforming research by assisting with literature reviews, data analysis, and even tasks like generating images or converting speech to text, accelerating research progress and uncovering new avenues for exploration. When it comes to pedagogical practices, it is evident that AI is revolutionising how students learn. HE institutions leverage AI to personalise learning journeys by tailoring content and instruction to individual student needs. AI-powered tools facilitate assessment and feedback, offering automated or AI-assisted options that support student progress. Additionally, AI goes beyond content delivery by creating and curating engaging educational materials. Student support is also being transformed through the use of virtual tutors, chatbots, and assistive technologies, fostering accessibility and inclusivity for a diverse student body. AI also enhances engagement and interaction through innovative tools like recommendation engines that suggest relevant courses, and exploratory learning environments that dynamically adapt to student needs. These tools, combined with AI chatbots that facilitate communication and collaboration, all contribute to the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and language-learning skills. This keynote presentation will provide a showcase of real world case studies and we will explore the impact of AI in education by addressing both successes and challenges and critically examine the ethical and practical considerations of AI for education.
Biography: Eleni Mangina carried out her PhD work at the University of Strathclyde (UK), Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, working on Agent-based applications for intelligent data interpretation (1998-2001). The research area focused on software analysis, design and development of multi agent systems, which utilize different Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques (Knowledge based systems, Artificial Neural Networks, Case Based Reasoning systems and Model based Reasoning systems). Eleni Mangina holds an M.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence from the Department of Artificial Intelligence at University of Edinburgh in the UK and an MSc in Agricultural Science from Agricultural University of Athens in Greece. In 2002 she joined the School of Computer Science, at University College Dublin, Ireland. Dr Eleni Mangina is currently Professor at the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin in Ireland and the Vice Principal (International) for College of Science. Eleni Mangina is guided by her own definition of the art of persistence, that involves both courage and compassion with research integrity and authenticity. Her lab operates at the intersection between applied Artificial Intelligence (VR/AR; Data Analytics; UAVs; Information Systems) and a portfolio development within interdisciplinary applications (i.e. Energy Sector and Educational Systems with XR). Eleni Mangina has extensive experience for the last 20 years in National, EU and International funded projects and she is project coordinator of two (2) H2020 projects (ARETE & AHA), one (1) Erasmus+KA2 (FANTASIA) and partner within other H2020 projects (i.e. iSEED) and three (3) Erasmus+ projects (XRforPed, BASE, RoboPisces). She is funded investigator as part of SFI Energy Systems Integration Partnership Programme (ESIPP), NEXSYS and academic supervisor for two (2) SFI Centres for Research Training (CRT) (Machine Learning – ML-Labs; Digitally-Enhanced Reality – D-REAL). She has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed articles in national and international peer reviewed workshops and conferences and international journals, including in IEEE and ACM. Eleni Mangina also contributes as a committee member for reviews to many international conferences and journals. Eleni Mangina also contributes actively to IEEE Standards and is the Executive Editor for the publications of the IEEE Global Initiative on XR Ethics. She is currently the Chair of Athena SWAN Bronze Award application for the School of Computer Science.