Igor Farkaš, a prominent expert in artificial intelligence (AI), received the 2024 ESET Science Award in the category of Outstanding Personality in University Education. As a professor at Comenius University Bratislava and the associate chair of the Department of Applied Informatics, Farkaš has significantly contributed to AI research, particularly in the area of neural networks inspired by the human brain. His research focuses on the intersection of AI and robotics, particularly humanoid robots.
Farkaš's work extends beyond academia; he is passionate about teaching and motivating students in cognitive science and AI. His dedication to popularizing AI and interdisciplinary research has positioned him as a leader in the Slovak scientific community. He also oversees Slovakia's only interdisciplinary Master's program in Cognitive Science, aimed at advancing understanding of the human mind through AI.
We are glad Igor Farkaš is part of the ENLIGHT community and was previously involved f.e. in the lecture series “Digital Revolution and Impact of Digitization”.
The ESET Science Award is the most prestigious award of its kind in Slovakia, and this year it was chaired by Nobel laureate Emmanuelle Charpentier. It honors scientists whose research has a meaningful impact on society, and Farkaš’s contributions to AI and education are exemplary in this regard. His vision of AI, especially in the development of humanoid robots, underscores his optimism about the future of AI, while also acknowledging the need for careful regulation and ethical considerations.