Hamad Bin Khalifa University Symposium Evaluates AI’s Expanding Role in the Future of Science

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) hosted a symposium examining how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming scientific discovery. Held as part of the Horizon Hub Workshop Series and supported by the Office of the Vice President for Research, the event was organized by the University’s AI4Science Taskforce. Convening leading researchers, academics, and practitioners, the symposium explored how AI-driven methods are reshaping scientific inquiry while strengthening ties within Qatar's growing research community and beyond.

Dr. Adnan Abu-Dayya, Associate Vice President for Research, opened the AI for Science (AI4Science) Symposium with a call for rigorous foundations. He emphasized that progress depends not only on algorithmic power, but also trustworthy, scientifically grounded systems.

"Advances in algorithms, models, optimization methods, and trustworthy AI are essential to ensure these tools are reliable and fit for scientific use,” he said. “This also means designing AI systems that learn not only from data, but from the underlying laws of physics and science that govern these systems."

Dr. Abu-Dayya further underscored the foundational purpose of AI in research, noting that at its core, science is about seeking the truth and AI plays a role only if it enhances that process.

The symposium featured a distinguished group of international experts whose work spans AI-enabled discovery across physical sciences, biological systems, and materials informatics.

Among the speakers were Professor Taylor Sparks, University of Utah, Dr. Surya Hari, Caltech, and Professor Raonic Bogdan, ETH Zurich, alongside other renowned scholars from institutions around the world.

Beyond formal presentations, the symposium included hands-on tutorials and interactive sessions designed to equip participants with practical skills and methodologies. Participants engaged in collaborative problem-solving, and shared best practices for applying AI techniques to complex scientific problems.

By bringing together global thought leaders with Qatar-based experts, the gathering reinforced HBKU’s commitment to advancing AI-driven projects and innovation. The event highlighted the university’s mission to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and position AI as a foundational enabler of future scientific breakthroughs.