Keynote Speakers

Keynote Speakers


Prof. Adrian Hopgood
University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Biography: Adrian Hopgood is an independent consultant in artificial intelligence (AI) and Emeritus Professor of Intelligent Systems at the University of Portsmouth. He is also a visiting professor at the Open University and at Sheffield Hallam University. He is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the BCS (the Chartered Institute for IT), and a committee member for the BCS Specialist Group on AI. Professor Hopgood has worked at the level of Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor in four universities in the UK and overseas, and he has enjoyed scientific roles with Systems Designers PLC and the Telstra Research Laboratories in Australia. His main research interests are in AI and its practical applications. He has supervised 21 PhD projects to completion and published more than 100 research articles. His textbook, “Intelligent Systems for Engineers and Scientists: A Practical Guide to Artificial Intelligence”, is ranked as a bestseller and its fourth edition was published in 2022. His website is adrianhopgood.com.

Speech Title: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare 

Abstract: Some of the earliest applications of artificial intelligence (AI) were in the medical domain, where knowledge-based AI aimed to capture clinical knowledge in a flexible and adaptable computer model. In contrast, the recent surge in interest in AI has been largely driven by machine learning, which involves the recognition of patterns in large datasets. These two styles of AI are complementary and offer the possibility of significant improvements in healthcare. This talk introduces several medical applications of AI, including the prediction of patient outcomes after surgery, avoidance of intradialytic hypotension, interpretation of X-ray images, and improved electronic heath records. 


Shuliang Li

PhD, Fellow (Life member) of the British Computer Society,
Reader in Business Information Management & Systems,

University of Westminster, United Kingdom

(Also Sichuan 100-Talent Scheme Visiting Professor at Southwest Jiaotong University, China)

Biography: Dr Shuliang Li is a Reader in Business Information Management at Westminster Business School, University of Westminster. He acted as BIM&O departmental Research Leader from January 2010 to July 2013. Prof. Li is also Sichuan 100-Talent Scheme Visiting Professor in China for research collaboration purposes. He is a Fellow (Life member) of the British Computer Society (FBCS).
(Official Web page: https://www.westminster.ac.uk/about-us/our-people/directory/li-shuliang )

Speech Title: The Metaverse and security: Paradigm, technologies, quantum strategies, intelligent smart avatar and digtial clone and consumer behaviour, Metaverse analytics, Metaverse memory recalling, and cyber security endurability and survivability issues 

Abstract: The Metaverse is an Internet-based, computer-created and socially connected networking space of three-dimensional virtual-reality worlds. In this keynote, the concept of the Metaverse is introduced, with a hybrid framework and paradigm for communication, interaction, intelligent smart avatar and digital clone behaviour, Metaverse analytics, and business examples. The general strategies including quantum strategies for the Metaverse are also proposed. Relevant technologies including machine learning are also presented. In addition, immersive & hyper-personalised avatar and digital clone and consumer behaviour in the Metaverse are explored, with a simulation example. Moreover, Metaverse analytics and strategic decision-making in the Metaverse contexts are discussed, with such cases as the Otherside, Sandbox, and Decentraland explained.
Metaverse memory recalling over the time and 3D space across various worlds will also be discussed and explored.
In addition, the cyber security, survivability, endurability and recovery issues will be discussed and examined.  

 


Prof. William Hurst

Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands

Biography: Dr Hurst is an Associate Professor in Data Science and eXtended Realities in the Information Technology Group. He has over 100 international publications in the areas of data science, creative technologies, critical infrastructures, simulation and 3D graphics.
He has held several grants as Principal/Co-Investigator; some of which include EPSRC-funded 'Data Analytics for Health-Care Profiling using Smart Meters' (EP/R020922/1) and InnovateUK-funded Productivity Accelerator (https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=971582).
Prior to working at WUR, he was an award-winning Reader (Associate Professor) in Creative Technologies in the Department of Computer Science at Liverpool John Moores University, where he worked for 6 years. During this time he taught a variety of subjects including Data Visualisation, Digital Games Content Production, Internet and Web Technologies, Research Skills, Interactive Multimedia Systems, Advanced Multimedia, Digital Storytelling and Interactive media and games development.
His education includes a PGCert (Distinction) in Higher Education, a PhD in Computer Science (scholarship - focusing on Critical Infrastructures), an MSc with Distinction in Web Computing and a BSc(Hons) in Product Design.

Speech Title: Creative Technologies for Smart Applications: Trends & Challenges 

Abstract: Creative technologies encompass digital tools and methods such as virtual reality, augmented reality and AI-driven design. Their use typically allows the creator some format of artistic expression for interactive installations. The technologies are increasingly finding a footing in how we manage and process information, operating at the communication layer for AI applications- such as language model applications (e.g., ChatGPT), bringing interactive AI into the frame of reference for diverse range of end-users. Further, we are seeing the technologies being increasingly deployed in conjunction in education for digital storytelling and for exploring innovative ways for kinaesthetic learning, where the student becomes an active participant rather than a passive observer. As such, this talk explores some of the diverse creative technology-based case studies investigated at the Social Creative Technologies lab at Wageningen University, with a focus on the lessons we’ve learned particularly regarding their use in both agriculture and education.