The Interview of the Month

Interview with Prof. Mounir Ghogho

Prof. Mounir Ghogho has been a professor at UIR since 2010. He serves as the Director of TICLab and is a member of the President’s Office. Additionally, he directs the CNRS International Associate Laboratory (LIA) DataNet, focusing on Big Data and cybersecurity.

 

UIR is committed to advancing AI ethically and responsibly, with a strong focus on developing privacy-preserving AI solutions that respect individual privacy and build public trust.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has immense potential to revolutionise industries and daily life through advanced decision-making and automation. Its versatility spans nearly every sector, delivering exceptional efficiency and innovation. By analysing large datasets, recognising patterns, and adapting to new information, AI is crucial for addressing complex global challenges and crafting future solutions. The International University of Rabat (UIR) adopts an interdisciplinary approach to AI, fostering the development of innovative solutions while remaining keenly aware of social and ethical considerations.

UIR’s AI researchers collaborate closely with medical professionals in healthcare to develop cutting-edge systems that enhance patient care. One notable project employs AI to detect bladder cancer during cystoscopy, potentially leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses. Another initiative focuses on creating an AI-based platform to assist asthma patients in managing their condition more effectively, featuring a multimodal and multilingual therapeutic education application. “These initiatives greatly benefit from the medical insights provided by health science experts, ensuring that the AI solutions are practical and highly beneficial for patient care,” says Professor Mounir Ghogho, Director of UIR’s Information and Communication Technologies research lab (TICLab) and Dean of UIR’s College of Doctoral Studies.

In the field of road safety, UIR has partnered with the National Agency of Road Safety to develop innovative solutions. A key project involves a computer vision-based system to monitor Moroccan road driving behaviour. This system is further enhanced by AI-driven social listening through social media analysis, which evaluates users’ attitudinal, normative, and perceived control beliefs related to road safety. By integrating these insights, the initiative aims to improve road safety by identifying risky driving patterns and addressing underlying behavioural factors.

UIR’s commitment to environmental protection is also evident in their AI research. A prominent project involves developing AI-based systems to monitor and predict air pollution in urban areas, providing crucial data to support efforts to protect the environment and enhance public health. Another project leverages AI to advance green electromobility through solutions that optimise electric vehicle charging using grid-tied photovoltaic panels, ensuring efficient energy use and an enhanced user experience.

Another notable example of UIR’s interdisciplinary approach is its development of AI-driven recommender systems to improve education and employability. UIR has created an online platform using AI to offer personalised job recommendations and resources for job seekers. This platform is designed to boost employment opportunities and support lifelong learning, showcasing UIR’s dedication to leveraging AI for social good.

UIR is also committed to advancing AI ethically and responsibly, with a strong focus on developing privacy-preserving AI solutions that respect individual privacy and build public trust. This commitment is exemplified by their participation in the Horizon EU project, Convolve, where UIR is involved in creating edge AI solutions that process data directly on devices. These solutions enhance user privacy and security by eliminating the need to transmit data to the cloud.

Beyond these technological advancements, UIR’s social scientists are deeply engaged in studying the societal impacts of AI. Their research explores how AI technologies shape social behaviour, influence ethical norms, and affect the broader social landscape. They address critical issues such as algorithmic bias, privacy concerns, and the digital divide, examining both AI deployment’s positive and negative consequences.

“Through these diverse initiatives, we are not only pushing the boundaries of AI technology but also ensuring that its development aligns with broader societal values and ethical principles,” concludes Prof Ghogho.