Head of the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Chairs PhD Dissertation Defense on the Use of Artificial Intelligence for Lung Mass Identification

The Head of the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics chaired, on Monday, March 2, 2026, the PhD dissertation defense of doctoral candidate Yasir Salam Abdulghafour, entitled:

“The Employing of Tiny Deep Learning for Lung Mass Identification”

The dissertation addressed an advanced scientific topic in the field of Biomedical Engineering, leveraging artificial intelligence techniques. It focused on developing an intelligent diagnostic system based on lightweight Convolutional Neural Networks (Tiny Deep Learning) to detect and classify lung masses with high accuracy and low computational cost. The proposed approach ensures practical deployment on portable systems and embedded platforms, particularly to support physicians working in resource-limited rural medical centers.

The examination committee consisted of a distinguished panel of professors:

Prof. Wajdi Sadiq Aboud – Chair

Prof. Ali Hussein Mari – Member

Prof. Mohammed Sabri Salem – Member

Assist. Prof. Aiden Kamil Mohammed – Member

Assist. Prof. Hasanein Ali Lafta – Member

The defense was held at the Council Hall of the Department of Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of:

Prof. Anas Qusai Hashim

Assist. Prof. Ahmed Faik Hussein

The dissertation demonstrated a significant scientific contribution by achieving an effective balance between diagnostic accuracy and reduced computational complexity and energy consumption. This was accomplished through model compression techniques such as Group Convolution and Pruning, in addition to a successful practical implementation on an embedded platform, enhancing the system’s potential for future clinical utilization.

At the conclusion of the defense, following the candidate’s presentation and an in-depth scientific discussion covering theoretical, methodological, and applied aspects, the examination committee approved the dissertation and awarded the candidate a PhD degree with Distinction, in recognition of the rigorous scientific effort and the high level of achievement attained.

On this occasion, we extend our sincere congratulations to the doctoral candidate on this outstanding academic accomplishment, as well as to the supervisors and members of the examination committee for their valuable contributions. We wish him continued success and excellence in his academic career, and continued distinction for all our students in service of society and the nation.