SYED SIBTE RAZA ABIDI

Dr. Syed Sibte Raza Abidi  (Raza) is a professor in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University (DAL) and the Director of NICHE Research Group. Raza’s research is focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications in the global healthcare sector.

Raza was able to secure the bid to host the 2022 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIME) in Halifax, a testament to his leadership and commitment to advancing AI research initiatives. Supported by a diligent local organizing committee, the event was executed seamlessly. This marked the second major conference Raza has successfully brought to Halifax within the past decade.

WHY HE DID IT

Raza has been focused on AI and its applications in the health sector for more than 20 years. Being on the Board of AIME and having attended their conference for many years in Europe, Raza saw no reason he couldn’t bring the event to Canada, specifically Halifax, and showcase the research being done here.

BIG OUTCOMES

The three-day AIME Conference brought 150 AI researchers and industry experts to Halifax from across the globe. “We had people bringing their families as well,” said Raza. The event contributed more than $310,000 in economic impact for our city.

“When we invite researchers from all over the world, not only are we bringing them to Halifax and showing Halifax as a wonderful city, but also we can demonstrate the research that is going on here and thereby establish new collaborations.”