CSE Researcher Wins Postgraduate Category at GPCA Innovation Competition

Dr. Ikhlas Ghiat, Postdoctoral Researcher at Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Science and Engineering (CSE), won first place in the postgraduate category of the 3rd GPCA Innovation Competition, held during the 14th GPCA Agri-Nutrients Conference in mid-September, in Saudi Arabia. 

Dr. Ghiat was shortlisted from 81 applicants hailing from across the region for her PhD research project, “CO2 Enrichment Driven Model Predictive Control: A novel approach for precision agriculture in greenhouses located in hyper-arid regions,” to a panel of jury and industry professionals. Her work introduces an innovative approach to precision agriculture which integrates advanced machine learning models and remote sensing technology in order to optimize water use in greenhouses situated in arid regions, like those found throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Commenting on her achievement, Dr. Ghiat said: “I am deeply honored to have received first place in the postgraduate category. This recognition not only validates the hard work and dedication invested in my research, but also underscores the importance of innovative solutions in precision agriculture.”

“Our goal is to leverage these innovations to tackle global challenges and enhance food security, with a particular focus on addressing the unique environmental challenges of regions like Qatar,” she added.

Commenting on the importance of Dr. Ghiat’s research, Dr. Mounir Hamdi, Dean, CSE, said: “This project promises to directly enhance sustainability and resource efficiency in communities that need it most throughout the MENA region. It exemplifies how HBKU’s CSE engages and leads in research disciplines of national and global importance.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Ghiat aims to further refine her research under the guidance of Dr. Tareq Al-Ansari, Associate Professor, CSE. Her goal is to implement practical solutions in real-world settings and to expand upon her findings, exploring new advancements and applications within the field.