A researcher from Wrocław University of Science and Technology has been named one of the nine laureates of the inaugural edition of the NATO Chief Scientist Grants. Her project focuses on utilizing artificial intelligence, among other technologies, to enhance airspace protection.
Organized for the first time by the NATO Science & Technology Organization, this program aims to support excellence in scientific and technological research, attract talented researchers to contribute to NATO’s scientific and technical efforts, and promote research activities that enhance and leverage the scientific and technological capabilities of the Alliance member states.
The first edition of the NATO Chief Scientist Grants attracted 231 applications, out of which nine were selected for funding. The selected researchers will share a total grant of €400,000 to further develop their projects. Among the awardees is Dr. Eng. Agnieszka Wielgus from the Department of Acoustics, Multimedia, and Signal Processing at the Faculty of Electronics, Photonics, and Microsystems of Wrocław University of Science and Technology.
“Protecting airspace from drones is a crucial issue, especially now, given the current geopolitical situation. The ongoing war in Ukraine demonstrates that drones have become one of the fundamental weapons on the battlefield. My project builds upon a previously established collaboration with Warsaw University of Technology,” explains Dr. Wielgus.
Source: Wrocław University of Science and Technology
The researcher adds that her project involves the use of metaheuristic algorithms, including quantum algorithms, for airspace protection and consists of two main tasks. The first is the application of machine learning methods and classifiers with kernel parameters optimized using quantum algorithms. These methods are used to classify small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) based on their micro-Doppler signatures. The second part of the project focuses on developing a specialized system to support the optimal deployment of radars over a given area.
Scientists from the Department of Acoustics, Multimedia, and Signal Processing at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, as well as from the Research Group on Radar Techniques at Warsaw University of Technology, will also be involved in the research. The project is expected to conclude in November of this year.
Source:
Forum Akademickie
Wrocław University of Science and Technology
