Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai’s Insights Lab has announced that it was named the winner of the Smart Data Excellence Award in Education at the Smart Data Summit PLUS 2021 on Thursday 18th November.
The SDS+ Data Awards are presented to those organisations that have gone above and beyond in their approach to AI and Data Analytics, setting them apart from entities within their category as well as other industries. MDX Dubai’s Insights Lab was also placed in the top five nominated organisations for the Smart Data AI Innovation Award, which celebrates innovation in AI in all industries, alongside four other prestigious firms from across the region: Abu Dhabi Police, Saudi Aramco, Bee’ah, and Ajman Municipality & Planning Department.
Insights Lab, a research centre of excellence that forms part of MDX Dubai’s Centre for Innovation in Human Experience (CIHx) and is led by Dr. Krishnadas Nanath, received this prestigious award for its outstanding implementation of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) principles to achieve excellence in the education sector. The award was received by the Insights Lab team and senior representatives from the University at the Le Méridien Dubai Conference Centre.
Dr Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai, said: “This illustrious award is a testament to our commitment to setting high standards for using Analytics and AI in the education sector. It confirms that the work of our academic researchers, who are leaders in the field, is world-leading and makes a global impact. Producing pathbreaking research that drives academic excellence is the foundation of our approach to teaching and learning. On behalf of the University, I wholeheartedly congratulate our Insights Lab team for this momentous achievement.”
Dr. Krishnadas Nanath, Head and Founder of Insights Lab and Campus Programme Coordinator Data Science at Middlesex University Dubai, said: “This is a very proud moment for Insights Lab and the MSc Data Science programme at Middlesex University Dubai. It is the hard work of students, top management, and our industry partners that resulted in the Lab achieving its vision in such a short time. I am grateful to Beinex, who trusted us in this journey and partnered with the Lab to make a difference in the analytics community. This award reflects the efforts we put in to bring in the best of the analytics world, not only for our students and members but also our industry partners.”
Brad Hariharan, Regional Director for Expotrade Global, said: “The Smart Data Summit, which is in its eighth annual cycle, is the MENA region’s largest in-person event focused on big data analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The Smart Data Excellence Awards for the MENA region is an industry leading recognition and the gold standard for organisations that demonstrate excellence in deploying analytics and AI technology to supercharge performance. We were very pleased to identify and award the Insights Lab unit at Middlesex University Dubai for excelling in the implementation of data science and artificial intelligence principles and demonstrated excellence in the education sector.”
Since its founding in November 2019, Insights Lab has connected researchers and the UAE’s cross-sector Data Science community with companies who wish to better understand how to monetise and derive insights from their data. These partnerships help participating companies develop and apply new predictive models and analytical approaches that are commercially and operationally beneficial.
The Lab has also partnered with prestigious UAE government entities, such as Dubai Taxi Corporation and the Roads and Transport Authority, to conduct data hackathons that allow students and professionals to work with real datasets. In addition, the Insights Lab team has delivered corporate training and consulting programmes to major organisations including Emirates NBD, DAMAC Properties, ADNOC Group, Majid Al Futtaim, Landmark Group and First Abu Dhabi Bank. This strong industry network has resulted in several internship opportunities for Middlesex University Dubai students interested in pursuing a career in data analytics.
MDX Dubai’s School of Science and Technology, representatives from which have founded other core research labs at the University such as the RoboTechx Lab and Immersive VRx Lab, is renowned across the MENA region for its industry-relevant educational offering. The School’s faculty prepares students to enter industry equipped with both the latest theoretical knowledge and practical skills that employers covet in today’s evolving tech environment. Programmes open for entry in January 2022 include BSc Honours Information Technology, BSc Honours Business Information Systems and MSc Data Science.
Learn more about the work of the MDX Dubai Insights Lab here: https://www.mdx.ac.ae/insightsx-lab/
