Structured fibre optics, hybrid quantum-classical technologies, and artificial intelligence for life sciences. Three new centres of excellence are operating at the University of Warsaw. On 24th February, the Foundation for Polish Science inaugurated projects selected as part of the International Research Agendas Programme.
Ten centres will receive total funding of over PLN 300 million for the development of innovations in areas such as precision medicine, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence and detectors for astrophysics. The funds come from the European Funds for a Modern Economy (EFME) programme.
The projects were inaugurated on 24th February. The ceremony was attended by, among others, the authorities of the Foundation for Polish Science, as well as Prof. Maria Mrówczyńska, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The University of Warsaw was represented by Prof. Ewa Krogulec, the Vice-Rector for Development.
Among the awarded projects, there are three from the UW, each of which received funding of approximately PLN 30 million:
- Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence for Life Sciences Centre
The development of secure, transparent, and efficient AI algorithms capable of working on limited, noisy, and incomplete data – with particular emphasis on applications in medicine and life sciences – is the task of four research groups that will implement the Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence for Life Sciences Centre project.
“As part of the project, we will develop next-generation artificial intelligence models based on solid mathematical foundations. Our goal is to reduce errors and hallucinations, which pose a significant challenge to existing solutions, especially in biomedical applications. Our ambition is for the project to be an example of how strong national competences in mathematics and computer science can be translated into innovative technologies that serve society. We want our project to be a proposal for the development of a European niche in artificial intelligence,” says Prof. Paweł Dłotko, who heads the team of researchers implementing the project.
- Centre of Excellence for Structured Optical Fibres and Applications (SOWA)
It will conduct research aimed at developing a new class of structured optical fibres – applicable, for example, in lasers, sensors, and other photonic devices. The unit intends to become a global leader in the field of research, development, and production of a new class of free-form nanostructured optical fibres.
The SOWA Centre of Excellence team will be led by Prof. Ryszard Buczyński – physicist, deputy director of the UW’s Institute of Geophysics, expert in photonics, optics and optoelectronics. He is the co-creator of a miniaturised endoscope used to treat respiratory disorders in premature newborns.
- Center for Hybrid Quantum–Classical Information Technologies (QLAB)
The project is led by Prof. Magdalena Stobińska-Moretto from the UW.
“The QLAB project is a milestone in building a strong, international centre for quantum technology research in Poland at the University of Warsaw. Our goal is to conduct excellent scientific research, create solutions ready for use in the economy, and strengthen scientific cooperation with the best international partners,” says Prof. Magdalena Stobińska-Moretto.
The project will involve scientific research and development work in four interdisciplinary research groups. The teams will focus on key areas:
- secure quantum networks,
- energy-efficient artificial intelligence algorithms,
- ultra-sensitive metrology and imaging methods,
- hybrid technologies combining quantum and classical systems.