My name is George Azzopardi, and I am an Associate Professor in Pattern Recognition, embedded in the Information Systems group of the Bernoulli Institute for Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
University of Malta
Introducing the PRISMA team
PRISMA (Pattern Recognition and Inference: Signals → Models → Applications) is one of the three key pillars driving innovation within the Information Systems group. As the academic lead of PRISMA, I guide our research team in advancing the robustness of vision models, developing innovative approaches to machine learning, and transforming complex data into actionable insights.
At PRISMA, we focus on interdisciplinary collaboration across biology, medicine, radio astronomy, and forensics. Our mission is to transform complexity into clarity; i.e. extracting distinct patterns from diffused information, much like how a prism reveals the hidden spectrum of light. By bridging theory and practice, PRISMA contributes in advancing pattern recognition and applications.
PRISMA Mission
As a research team within the Information Systems group, PRISMA strives to uncover meaningful patterns from scattered data, ensuring our models remain robust in real-world conditions. Through interdisciplinary partnerships, we aim to create innovative tools and technologies that address significant challenges in science and industry.
PRISMA Team Members and Ongoing Projects
- Peter van der Wal (PhD student, in collaboration with CogniGron): Focuses on developing deep-learning algorithms inspired by the visual system of the brain, enhancing robustness and generalization for unseen corruptions.
- Sabatino Esposito (PhD student, in collaboration with the University of Salerno): Works on the fundamental aspects of deep learning for improved model robustness.
- Anusha Aswath and Changmin Tian (Two PhD students, interdisciplinary projects): Developing algorithms for segmenting (sub)cellular structures in large-scale electron microscopy images, including hyperspectral data, in collaboration with UMCG, Biomedical Science of Cells & Systems.
- Steven Ndung’u Machetho (PhD student, interdisciplinary project): Working on classifying and retrieving sources in radio astronomy images in collaboration with ASTRON and the University of Stellenbosch.
- Rafael Martínez García Peña (PhD student, interdisciplinary project): Developing a computer-aided diagnosis system for hyperkinetic movement disorders using video analysis, in collaboration with the Movement Disorders department at UMCG.
- Amey Bhole (External PhD student): Developing computer vision models that are robust against black-box adversarial attacks.
- Guru Swaroop Bennabhaktula (Post-doc): Engaged in fundamental research and forensic image analysis, collaborating with the Dutch Driving Authority (RDW) to develop algorithms that verify the authenticity of face images and prevent face morphing attacks.
Through these diverse research endeavors, PRISMA continues to push boundaries in pattern recognition, contributing to both fundamental scientific knowledge and impactful real-world applications.
Highlights
In 2023, Guru Swaroop Bennabhaktula and I were honored with the Ben Feringa Impact Award. In 2024, I received the ENLIGHT Impact Award for our pioneering work in forensic image analysis.
Other Roles
- Coordinator of Applied AI at the Jantina Tammes School.
- Leader of Working Group 4 of the GLITSS COST Action.
Associate Editor for
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🏆 2024 - Winner of an Enlight Impact Award, Enlight European University 🏆 2023 - Winner of the Ben Feringa Impact Award, University of Groningen |