Plenary Lecture
Prof. Massimiliano Ferrara
Università Mediterranea, Calabria, Italy
Title: Explainability and Artificial intelligence by Mathematical Modeling: new challenges in decision-making
Abstract: In this talk a collection of some results of mine have been obtained in the last years are presented and discussed in stimulating a research debate on the new challenges could be promoted in the mentioned field of Explainable Artificial Intelligence and its connection with Decision-making processes.
The growing complexity inherent in modern artificial intelligence (AI) models has necessitated an increased focus on the demand for explainability, commonly referred to as Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI). The primary objective of XAI is to render the decision-making processes of AI systems not only transparent but also understandable to human users, thereby fostering greater trust and comprehension among stakeholders.
As AI systems become more sophisticated and are deployed in critical areas such as healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles, the demand for clarity surrounding their operations intensifies. This paper delves deeply into the vital relationship between XAI and mathematics, asserting that mathematical principles are foundational to enhancing the interpretability, transparency, and overall trustworthiness of AI models.
We will investigate the key mathematical constructs that underlie various XAI techniques, providing insights into how they function and contribute to explainability. To illustrate the practical significance of these principles, we will examine specific case studies where mathematical frameworks have successfully improved the elucidation of AI model predictions.
Furthermore, this paper will outline potential future avenues for research that aim to further integrate mathematical methodologies within XAI frameworks. By doing so, we hope to contribute to the development of more robust and interpretable AI systems that can be trusted and effectively utilized by humans in a multitude of applications.
Bio: Massimiliano Ferrara was born in Pisa on June 8, 1972. Married and One children. He holds a master’s degree in Economics (MSc) cum laude (1995) and a PhD cum laude both from University of Messina (2001) and two post-master’s studies cum laude from University of Naples Federico II (on Mathematical Economics - 1998) and Scuola Normale Superiore - Pisa (on Mathematical Finance - 2001)
Academic Career
Full Professor of “Mathematical Economics” and “Business Analytics” at“Mediterranea” University of Reggio Calabria (since 2016), where he was PhD School Coordinator, Vice Rector to strategic planning, development and general affairs, Member of the Academic Senate and Chairman Department of Law, Economics and Human Sciences. He was in time Researcher and Assistant Professor in Mathematical Economics, Mathematical Finance and Risk Theory from 2000 to 2002 at University of Messina, Associate Professor from 2002 to 2007 at University of Messina and successively from 2007 to 2016 at University Mediterranea.
Professional Activities
Research Affiliate at ICRIOS – "The Invernizzi Center for Research on Innovation, Organization,Strategy and Entrepreneurship", Bocconi University since 2013 and President of Scientific Committee of MEDAlics Research Centre - University "Dante Alighieri" of Reggio Calabria and Scientific Director ofDecisions_LAB at University Mediterranea. He served as President of Research Institute named "IRITMED" - Istituto di Ricerca per l'Innovazione e la Tecnologia nel Mediterraneo" (2014-2019), General Counsel of Fondazione Banco di Napoli (2013-2015), Vice Rector at University for foreigners “Dante Alighieri” of Reggio Calabria(2009-2010) and Director (Head) of Department of Culture, University and Research of Calabria Region, Italy(2010-2013). Member of the AMASES Scientific Committee for the lapse time (2017-2022). Member of Evaluation Board at “Politecnico di Torino” (2022).
International Research Experiences
Visiting Professor at Advanced Computing Lab - Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences - Istanbul OKAN University (Turkey). He was in time Visiting Professor at Harvard University, Cambridge (USA), Western Michigan University (USA), Morgan State University, Baltimora (USA), Northeastern University di Boston (USA)and Center for Dynamics of Dresden University of Technology (Germany). Member of Sigma Xi and of the Indian Academy of Mathematics, Indore.
Research Interests
Mathematical Economics, Game Theory, Machine and Deep Learning applications, Business Analytics, Epidemic Modeling, Optimization Theory, Nonlinear Analysis, Dynamical Systems, Applied Economics.