Seyedali (Ali) Mirjalili declared one of world’s most influential researchers

Torrens University Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Optimisation, Associate Professor Seyedali (Ali) Mirjalili has made the annual global list of Highly Cited Researchers for 2019, which has just been released by the Web of Science Group.

Each year, the highly anticipated list announces scientists and social scientists who produce multiple papers that significantly impact and influence research in their field. These papers rank in the top one per cent by citations in their field and year of publication. Professor Mirjalili is now one of only 302 Australian researchers recognised as Highly Cited in this country.

Swarm Intelligence

Associate Professor Mirjalili’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) research at Torrens University focusses on ‘swarm intelligence’ – modelled on the behaviour of groups of living creatures such as ants, which possess limited functions on their own.

However, together they can build, create and take impactful collective action.
He develops general-purpose problem solving and optimisation algorithms by mathematically modelling and simulating such natural principles (‘swarm intelligence’) in computers to solve some of the most challenging problems we face in the current century.

He is also working in the area of Machine Learning, which makes the computer capable of learning from experiences in a similar manner to humans. These self-learning systems are essential elements and key driving forces of the fourth industrial revolution, known as Industry 4.0.

Global Influencer

At 33 years of age, Associate Professor Ali Mirjalili has received more than 12,000 citations globally for his research work, which he has authored or co-authored in more than 160 publications.

He is currently working on several sub-fields of AI, including Computational Intelligence, Swarm Intelligence and Machine Learning at Torrens University.
His algorithms have been used by researchers in Australia and internationally in a wide range of fields including renewable energy research, air quality warning systems, breast cancer detection, lung scanning and even space shuttle technology.

But he is also aware of concerns people still have about Artificial Intelligence. 

“Just like any new technologies, there are many misconceptions about it. AI techniques are really powerful and outperform humans in a wide range of areas. The majority of businesses and organisations now use AI methods to achieve their goals.

The future of AI is exciting and scary at the same time. AI can significantly reduce the price of all products around us and make life so much easier than it is now. On the other hand, it can be more dangerous than a nuclear weapon. We really need regulations to minimise its threats.” – Professor Mirjalili

Dreams and Passions

Born in Iran, Professor Mirjalili, has had his fair share of critics, including bullying by a lecturer in his hometown of Yazd. Despite the setbacks, Professor Mirjalili continues to move forward with his dreams and passions.

“I love to turn a negative experience of mine into a positive outcome for other people. I extremely enjoy going through hardship to bring comfort to my family and others. Do not underestimate the power of thoughts and dreams.

When you write down your dreams, they might sound absolutely impossible, but you cannot believe how fast you can achieve them once you believe in yourself.”

Professor Seyedali Mirjalili is currently a finalist in the Queensland Pride of Australia Awards.