AI for Semantic Data Analytics – AI4SDA

AI research in Rennes builds on long-time expertise and excellence in statistical modelling and learning, including deep learning, as well as in signal and image processing, combined with a wide coverage of other AI topics such as logics and reasoning, planification, robotics, data mining, or knowledge representation. Rennes, through the LABEX CominLabs and platforms dedicated to the study of usage of digital technology, has also developed a strong expertise in systemic approaches combining ICT and HSS to apprehend the future of digital and AI technology and usage. Building on these assets, the AI for Semantic Data Analytics (AI4SDA) doctoral program seeks to develop fundamental and applied research on AI for the semantic analysis and interpretation of complex data—such as signals and images, omics, time series, language, heterogeneous and multimodal data, etc. The agenda emphasizes hybrid approaches leveraging machine learning and explicit modelling so as to improve robustness, trust and acceptability. In line with the national and regional priorities, and taking advantage of a rich socio-economic ecosystem and key partnerships, we focus on two major application domains of public interest: defense and security, in tight collaboration with the French procurement agency (DGA) and the defense industry; health, in collaboration with heath technology companies and Rennes University Hospital (CHU Rennes).

The ambition of the is to significantly increase the international outreach and the socio-economic impact of Rennes’ higher education, research and innovation ecosystem by doubling the number of PhD students involved in a targeted research agenda, by increasing the number of executives with AI high-level expertise in the public and private sectors, and by strengthening and further developing partnerships with a large pool of economic actors. The doctoral program also seeks for direct economic impact by combining fundamental and applied research in tight collaboration with socio-economic partners.