In this AI Alliance member spotlight we meet Roberto Trotta, Professor of Theoretical Physics and Head of Data Science at SISSA, Trieste
- Full name: Roberto Trotta
- Title: Professor of Theoretical Physics and Head of Data Science at SISSA, Trieste
- How long you/your company has been a member of AI Alliance: Since July 2024
Tell us about yourself and what you are responsible for at your company?
I am a theoretical cosmologist working on machine learning methods to analyse and interpret large and complex cosmological and astrophysical data. I'm interested in using AI to learn more about dark matter, dark energy and the Big Bang. At SISSA, I lead the Theoretical and Scientific Data Science group and associated PhD programme.
Why did you and/or your organization join AI Alliance?
Our aim in joining the AI Alliance is to contribute to its initiatives in the AI educational sphere and in developing and sharing foundational models for science. We look forward to forging new connections and innovative collaborations with other Alliance members.
What’s a project you’re working on right now? Why is it meaningful to you?
One of the project my collaborators and I are most excited about right now is a new method for anomaly detection in high dimensional data. Based on a simple yet powerful idea, this new approach has the potential of being extremely useful in a variety of settings, from fundamental science research (eg. looking for new particles at the Large Hadron Collider), to applied research in climatology, as well as in industry and business.
How does AI Alliance mission align with your organizations core values?
We are keen to share our experience in crafting and delivering cutting-edge graduate programmes, featuring both technical expertise and cross-disciplinary education in the broad topics of AI ethics. We are also interested in learning from others’ best practice; sharing open code and learnings about the most effective use of computational resources; and improving the fundamental understanding of the theoretical properties of machine learning algorithms in service of more robust, interpretable and understandable application to scientific problems.
What about an open approach to AI innovation inspires you?
AI innovation is going to shape every aspect of our lives in the future, so an open approach is necessary if we are all going to be able to contribute to it and understand its impact in a fair, transparent and democratic way. We are inspired by such an approach particularly in the scientific field, where open innovation can translate into a much faster pace of progress; and in terms of its societal and ethical impacts, where openness is required to ensure that the benefits of AI can be shared equally.
What's next on the horizon for your organization?
We are looking forward to working together with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and other AI Alliance members to develop and deliver a new machine learning focused school for participants from least developed countries; on the scientific side, we are continuing to grow our PhD programme with the aim of establishing it as one of the reference points in Italy and Europe in its sphere.
Where might we see you next and how can the AI Alliance community get in touch with you?
Our members regularly attend and present and all major international machine learning conferences, so look out for “SISSA” affiliated there! You can get in touch with all of us through our group's website, https://datascience.sissa.it