Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and Boeing co-hosted the eighth Machine Learning and Data Analytics Symposium (MLDAS 2023) from October 23 to 24, 2023, at Researchery, Education City.

MLDAS 2023 gathered researchers and industry experts to engage in a knowledge exchange focused on novel applications of machine learning and data analytics in aviation, education, sports analytics, and more.

Professionals from Amazon, Boeing, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Data61, DreamApply, and Microsoft brought insights from their various sectors to the discussions. Academics from Carnegie Mellon University, Imperial College London, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, KU Leuven, Mohammed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Purdue University, University of Cambridge, and the University of Southern California shared insights from their cutting-edge research at the symposium.

Speaking on the knowledge exchange fostered at MLDAS 2023, Dr. Ahmed Elmagarmid, Executive Director, QCRI, said: “Experts from all over the world gathered in Doha and transcended across specializations to exchange knowledge in this multidisciplinary field. We are proud to partner with Boeing to host a renowned platform where scientists and researchers can collaborate and contribute to these dynamic fields."

The event featured 15 technical talks on participant’s ongoing research projects, each detailing advanced applications of AI in their respective disciplines. There was also a panel discussion on responsible AI, where all the presenters gathered to explore critical ethical and technical considerations of using artificial intelligence.

Dragos Margineantu, Boeing Artificial Intelligence chief technologist and senior technical fellow, commented: "The Machine Learning and Data Analytics Symposium fosters international collaboration and joint research projects between Boeing and Qatar, and Qatar and other countries. We are proud to continue this tradition, driving technological advancements in the Middle East”. 

Since 2012, the partnership of Boeing and Qatar Computing Research Institute at Hamad bin Khalifa University has resulted in groundbreaking research in machine learning and work on computer vision for autonomy. The collaboration enhances the understanding of correlations in data produced by aerospace systems and improves the early detection of small objects for safer landings. 

HBKU’s QCRI is a national research institute supporting Qatar in building its innovation and technology capacity by tackling large-scale computing challenges that address national priorities and positively touch upon people’s everyday lives. QCRI recognizes the importance of continuity and synchronized team collaboration to the pursuit of leading scientific research that meets globally growing needs, and partners with leading institutions and organizations worldwide to facilitate these efforts.