UNIVERSITY CANADA WEST
UCW academic scoops award for pioneering AI research

Dr. Michele Vincenti, MBA Department Chair in Leadership & People Management at University Canada West (UCW), has received a prestigious award for his groundbreaking research into how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve the lives of the hearing impaired.

This year's 9th edition of the Tonino Accolla EUROMED Festival, held in Tonino, Sicily in Italy, focussed on voiceover art and post-production, providing an ideal forum for Dr. Vincenti to present new technology designed to enhance the experience of those with auditory impairments.

The event, which was organized by Dr. Stefania Altavilla and Prof. Santi Tomaselli, featured Italy's most established voiceover artists.

"We have developed software that projects an AI-powered avatar into a small screen embedded in a pair of glasses," Dr. Vincenti explained. "The AI can then facilitate a live, sign language interpretation, whether that's of dialogue in a film, or even an ongoing lecture in a classroom.

"The technology represents a huge advance on subtitles, allowing users to enjoy film in a far more immersive way."

Dr. Vincenti's presentation of the new technology at the EUROMED Festival, earned him and his collaborators the Gold Archimedes Medal for scientific collaboration on the use of AI.

He added: "My research focusses on the ways human ingenuity and AI can complement one another. Rather than being an existential threat to the creative industries, AI can extend capabilities and expand the reach of small- and medium-size companies."

Dr. Vincenti's research is supported by CETA (Comprehensive European Trade Agreement), due to its potential to improve lives in both Canada and Europe. It has also benefitted from the support of Canadian Senator Tony Loffreda, who also addressed the EUROMED Festival.

Alongside his research, Dr. Vincenti teaches in UCW's MBA program and has mentored more than 400 students through their final projects.

UCW President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Bashir Makhoul said: "Dr. Vincenti's research pairs scholarly enquiry with practical applications and has the potential to benefit millions of people. I am delighted that his work continues to receive recognition - he's a valuable member of our faculty who inspires staff and students alike."