Tech pioneer meets PhD students developing greener AI

Technology entrepreneur and University of Essex alumnus Dr Jalal Bagherli returned to campus to see how the next generation of Essex researchers are developing greener technologies to power the future of artificial intelligence and computing.

During a visit to the Colchester Campus, Jalal met PhD students supported through the scholarship programme he established with his wife Pauline, hearing about the latest progress in research designed to make computing systems more sustainable and energy-efficient.

The Dr Jalal Bagherli PhD programme supports pioneering research in Embedded Hardware Systems for Net Zero, Embodied Biological Computing Artificial Intelligence and Responsible AI.

Through the programme, Jalal is helping support researchers tackling major technological and environmental challenges.

Jalal studied Electronic Engineering at Essex before building an internationally successful career developing the computer chips used in devices such as smartphones, cars and smart technology.

After the visit, Jalal said: "Visiting the University of Essex is always a special day in my annual calendar and this year's visit was no different.

"I enjoyed immensely spending time with the PhD students and the academic staff and learnt about tremendous progress they have made in a year in their learning and research for moving Embedded Hardware Systems towards Net Zero, progressing the state of the art in Embodied Biological computing and further embarking on the use of AI to aid humanitarian causes"

During the visit, Jalal met with Nelson Kimaro, one of the five scholars taking part in Jalal's PhD programme.

Nelson's research focuses on reducing the carbon footprint of hardware systems used in AI inference.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life through chatbots, smart assistants and digital tools, Nelson's work explores ways to reduce emissions while extending the lifespan of AI hardware.

The research could help cut manufacturing emissions and electronic waste by reducing the need for frequent hardware replacement.

Nelson said: "I am very grateful to be part of this programme and for the support of Dr Bagherli and the University of Essex in enabling this research.

"It has provided me with a valuable platform to develop my research skills and build professional connections.

"In the future, I hope to continue working towards solutions that make advanced technologies more environmentally responsible while still meeting the needs of society."

Jalal also met Shengyang Huang, another PhD student taking part in the programme, whose research explores adaptive embedded hardware systems for net-zero, investigating how computing systems can become more energy-efficient and sustainable as demand for AI and digital technologies continues to grow.

Shengyang said: "Being part of this programme has been a fantastic opportunity to develop my research and connect with others working towards net zero.

"I hope my work can contribute to creating smarter and greener hardware systems in the future."