KARACHI: A globally collaborative research project in Artificial Intelligence Systems Engineering has earned the Best Paper Award at the inaugural International Conference on Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Computing (ICAAIC-2025), held as part of Sindh Madressatul Islam University’s (SMIU) 3rd Global Research Congress (GRC-2025).
The winning paper, titled “AI Systems Engineering: A Systematic Review of Process Models, Architectural Patterns, and Emerging Challenges (2019–2025),” was jointly authored by Hamza Ali of NED University, Karachi; Douglas Sales Alves Amante from the Federal University of Lavras, Brazil, and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy; Ubaid Ullah of Logiciel Services LLC, USA; and Dr. Imtiaz Husain from SMIU. The study was recognized for its comprehensive analysis of contemporary AI engineering issues, particularly trust, verification mechanisms, data governance, and the risks associated with generative AI.
Held under the theme “Ethical Computing and AI for Social Good,” ICAAIC-2025 drew researchers from over ten countries and showcased more than 30 peer-reviewed papers addressing responsible AI development and advanced computational technologies.
The larger GRC-2025 platform brought together academics, policymakers, industry professionals, and students to discuss research-driven solutions. Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards, Muhammad Ismail Rahoo, lauded SMIU’s academic growth and urged the institution to formally convey the congress’s recommendations to the provincial government. He also referenced SMIU’s historic significance as the alma mater of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Chairman of the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee, praised SMIU for facilitating an international forum that enhances Pakistan’s research landscape. Meanwhile, keynote speaker Dr. Paul McEvoy of Dublin Business School expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s hospitality and showed interest in expanding academic collaboration.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai congratulated the award recipients, stating that such recognition highlights SMIU’s increasing influence in ethical and globally relevant AI research. He noted that GRC-2025 received over 400 research submissions, with 228 peer-reviewed papers presented, leading to policy-oriented recommendations in areas such as ethical AI, climate resilience, renewable energy, and data-informed governance.
