Shafik answers

Here, Shafik answers FAQs about himself and the DCRLab that he is leading. Different people asked these questions at the IEEE Smargrid conference in Tehran in 2019. 

Chair: Today I’m super excited to speak with Wassawa Shafik, Team lead at the Dig Connectivity Research Laboratory, from Kampala, Uganda. Welcome Shafik. Let’s jump right in. Tell me, how would you like to be addressed, and what challenges are you addressing through the DCRLab?

Shafik: Thanks for having me. It pleases me to be called Shafik or, by my nickname, Abu Asmaa. Through DCRLab, I am addressing critical challenges at the nexus of artificial intelligence, sustainability, and inclusive development by leveraging advanced computational techniques to drive societal transformation. My work focuses on AI-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture, including precision farming and disease detection, to enhance productivity while mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, I explore generative AI for equitable education, ensuring inclusive learning for marginalized communities and individuals with disabilities. In the realm of disaster resilience, I integrate AI and predictive modeling to strengthen early warning systems and adaptive capacity. My research also extends to healthcare innovation, utilizing AI for rare disease management and public health informatics while simultaneously tackling ethical AI governance to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and responsible adoption. Furthermore, I investigate sustainable digital transformation, examining the integration of emerging technologies into legal, economic, and governance frameworks to foster resilient, innovation-driven economies. At its core, my work at DCRLab advances the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by bridging the gap between theoretical advancements and real-world applications, ensuring that AI and digital technologies serve as catalysts for systemic, long-term societal impact.

Chair: Wow! What motivates you to do it?

My motivation stems from a deep commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence and digital technologies as transformative tools for sustainable development and societal resilience. The pressing need to address global challenges—ranging from food security and climate adaptation to equitable education and ethical AI governance—fuels my drive to develop interdisciplinary, impact-oriented solutions. I am particularly inspired by the potential of AI to bridge systemic gaps, enhance decision-making, and empower marginalized communities, ensuring that technological advancements translate into inclusive and sustainable progress. At DCRLab, I aim to merge scientific rigor with real-world applicability, fostering an ecosystem where innovation aligns with ethical responsibility and long-term developmental goals.

Chair: Amazing! Why did you choose these research interests? Is it because you are an African?

It’s fascinating that while my African heritage provides a critical lens through which I contextualize my research, my choice of research interests is driven by a broader commitment to addressing global challenges through artificial intelligence, sustainability, and inclusive development. Growing up in Africa has given me firsthand exposure to structural inequalities, climate vulnerabilities, and technological gaps, reinforcing the urgency of solutions that are both contextually relevant and globally scalable. However, my research transcends geographical boundaries, focusing on interdisciplinary, data-driven approaches that contribute to global knowledge while ensuring that technological advancements are equitably accessible.

Chair: Wow! What would you say is the impact of your work?

Shafik: The impact of my work spans multiple domains, contributing to both academic scholarship and real-world applications in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and inclusive development. Through my research, publications, and policy engagements, I have advanced discourse on responsible AI, particularly in education, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture. My contributions to AI-driven precision agriculture have informed strategies for improving crop monitoring and disease detection, enhancing food security and environmental sustainability. In education, my work on generative AI and inclusive learning has influenced pedagogical approaches for marginalized communities and learners with disabilities. Additionally, my research on disaster resilience and climate adaptation has strengthened data-driven decision-making frameworks for risk assessment and early warning systems and supported the upcoming researchers at DCRLab. 

Chair: That sounds great; please tell us more about Why DCRLab

Shafik: The Dig Connectivity Research Laboratory emphasises sustainability through the concept of circularity and incorporates technology with a focus on digital solutions. Universities and well-established labs are institutions that typically last for hundreds of years and have a significant influence on their host communities. It seemed like an incredible opportunity to participate in the early stages of the laboratory and help shape the institution in its core research interests that align with the African Agenda and SDGs. Also, the core laboratory funding allows me to focus on ambitious long-term projects, which would be very difficult at many other institutions where grant funding is given on a shorter time horizon.

Chair: Can I collaborate with you on research?

Shafik: Oh yes! I am always open to meaningful collaborations that align with my research interests in artificial intelligence, sustainability, and inclusive development. My passion lies in collaborating with the academic adventurers of tomorrow. If you wish to collaborate with me, I appreciate that; kindly do a preliminary exploration of my research interests, current publications, ongoing projects and many to come. When you identify any exciting avenue for collaboration, consider sending me an email at (wasswashafik [at] dcrlab [dot] org) with a research summary of your idea (in pdf format with not more than 3 pages) without references.

Chair: How do you engage with students and facilitate their learning?

Shafik: This is generic. However,  I engage with students through a student-centred, research-driven, and technology-enhanced approach, fostering critical thinking, innovation, and real-world application.

Chair: Is there anything else you would love to tell our audience?

Shafik: Oh yes! As we navigate the complexities of sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive growth, it is crucial to remember that ethical considerations and the principles of equity should drive innovation. Whether through artificial intelligence, sustainable agricultural practices, or digital education, technology can be a powerful force for positive change if it is harnessed with a clear commitment to social good. I encourage all of us, whether in academia, industry, or policy, to collaborate, innovate, and prioritize solutions that not only advance technological frontiers but also benefit marginalized communities and ensure a more sustainable, inclusive future for all.

Chair: Any fun facts for us?

Shafik: Comparison hides the beauty of your path. Embrace your story — no one else can walk it but you

Chair: Thanks for speaking with me today, and to the conference members.

Shafik: It’s been an honor!