Artificial Intelligence Knowledge Hub: Leadership and Vision
The University of Belgrade has established itself as a leading centre of excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Southeast Europe, supported by a strong tradition in mathematics, computer science, and engineering, as well as growing interdisciplinary collaboration with the social sciences and humanities.
Research groups across several faculties actively contribute to internationally recognised work in areas such as machine learning, data science, optimisation, and trustworthy AI, while engaging in European research and education initiatives.
Building on this expertise, it is both strategically justified and institutionally important for the University of Belgrade, in partnership with other member universities of the Circle U. Alliance, to assume a leading role in coordinating the Artificial Intelligence Knowledge Hub (AIKH). This leadership enables the University to mobilise scientific capacity, foster interdisciplinary collaboration across the alliance, and contribute to the development of innovative educational programmes, joint research activities, and responsible approaches to AI that address both technological and societal challenges in Europe.
Professor Miroslav Marić, Full Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Informatics at the Faculty of Mathematics, University of Belgrade, is the Academic Director of the AIKH together with Professor Francesco Marcelloni. With his long-standing expertise in Artificial Intelligence and leadership in academic initiatives, he shared with us his perspective on AI today and the plans for AIKH.
Would you share with us your experience and work in the field of AI?
“With a PhD in the field, I have spent over 25 years applying Artificial Intelligence to numerous scientific and commercial projects. My work is primarily focused on solving complex problems in vehicle routing, network clustering, and optimisation. Over the last decade, my research has increasingly incorporated machine learning methods and applications. Together with my team, I develop and implement software solutions for the banking sector, with a particular focus on credit risk assessment.
During my career, I have authored more than 140 research papers, mostly in the field of AI, and supervised 5 PhD theses and over 100 MSc theses.”
In your view, what makes Artificial Intelligence such a crucial topic nowadays?
“Artificial intelligence has transitioned from a niche academic field into a cornerstone of modern technology, seamlessly integrating into our daily lives and professional environments. Its popularity stems from its unparalleled ability to process vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and automate complex tasks.
We interact with AI constantly, often without realising it. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the current AI boom is how quickly it has exceeded even the most optimistic predictions. Just a few years ago, the capabilities of today’s models were considered science fiction.
Professor Miroslav Marić
The sheer diversity of AI applications—from discovering new materials and composing music to optimising agricultural yields and helping to manage climate change—demonstrates that we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of what this transformative technology can achieve.”
Could you tell us about the upcoming plans and activities of AIKH?
“Artificial Intelligence is one of the most promising technologies, with applications across all scientific fields being researched at the University of Belgrade and other Circle U alliance universities. The activities of the AI Knowledge Hub are directed towards enhancing the capacity for the development and application of AI in all alliance sectors.
Beyond aiming for greater precision and efficiency, the focus is on fairness, ethics, safety, reliability, and sustainability. AIKH actively encourages research through joint mentorship of doctoral and master’s theses. Specifically, we organise regular summer schools, workshops, seminars, hackathons, and professional training. Special emphasis is placed on promoting the values of the Circle U project and on the legal, ethical, and social aspects of AI.”
Circle U. Summer School and webinars
"This year, we are launching a webinar series dedicated to cutting-edge research and applications of AI in various fields. Topics will include AI in natural sciences, democracy, education, bioinformatics, neuroscience, and ethics, depending on the interests and availability of researchers and speakers within AIKH. The series will run until July, with each session lasting approximately two hours. The goal is to bring together students, scientists, and researchers to foster collaboration and interdisciplinarity.
In September, the University of Belgrade will organise an Interdisciplinary Summer School dedicated to exploring the interplay between AI and society in this age of transformation. The programme will focus on the technological foundations of AI, its social drivers and impacts, and their interactions. Participants from Circle U. member universities will engage in lectures, workshops, case studies, and hands-on group projects, gaining both theoretical and practical knowledge to better understand the AI systems on which the new technological revolution is built and their interaction with human society. The programme emphasises interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, encouraging participants to exchange perspectives, think creatively, and critically reflect on the societal implications of artificial intelligence.
About Professor Miroslav Marić
Professor Miroslav Marić has extensive teaching and research experience in computer science, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, Computational Intelligence, and Optimisation. He is a Full Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science and Informatics at the Faculty of Mathematics, University of Belgrade, Academic Director of the AI Knowledge Hub within the Circle U European University Alliance, and President of the Mathematical Society of Serbia. He has led several national projects, participated in numerous international initiatives, and served on programme and organisation boards of conferences worldwide. His research interests include AI, operational research, credit risk, mathematical optimisation, parallel algorithms, teaching methodology in mathematics and computer science, and computer graphics.
Professor Marić has authored more than 140 research papers, including 24 published in SCI journals, and supervised over 100 MSc and 5 PhD theses. He was recognised as EdTech Western Balkans Person of the Year 2021 and received the Saint Sava Award in 2020, the most significant award granted by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development in Serbia.
