Interdisciplinary approaches

ACAI and Universal AI University partner to boost AI innovation in Qatar

The Arab Centre for Artificial Intelligence (ACAI) and India’s Universal AI University (UAI) have partnered through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the advancement of AI across Qatar and the broader region. That collaboration aims to enhance education, research, and innovation in AI and emerging technologies.

Together, ACAI and UAI plan to establish a specialised AI research centre and develop advanced training programs to cultivate local expertise. They will also launch various online and short-term educational courses designed to address the growing demand for skilled AI professionals in Qatar’s job market, ensuring that the workforce is well-prepared for future technological developments.

Looking forward, the partnership envisions creating a dedicated AI-focused university campus. The initiative aligns with Qatar’s vision to transition into a knowledge-based economy by fostering innovation and offering academic programs in AI, engineering, business administration, environmental sustainability, and other emerging technologies.

The MoU is valid for ten years and includes provisions for dispute resolution, intellectual property rights management, and annual reviews to ensure tangible and sustainable outcomes. Further detailed implementation agreements are expected to formalise the partnership’s operational aspects.

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AI to disrupt jobs, warns DeepMind CEO, as Gen Alpha faces new realities

AI will likely cause significant job disruption in the next five years, according to Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind. Speaking on the Hard Fork podcast, Hassabis emphasised that while AI is set to displace specific jobs, it will also create new roles that are potentially more meaningful and engaging.

He urged younger generations to prepare for a rapidly evolving workforce shaped by advanced technologies. Hassabis stressed the importance of early adaptation, particularly for Generation Alpha, who he believes should embrace AI just as millennials did the internet and Gen Z did smartphones.

Hassabis also called on students to become ‘ninjas with AI,’ encouraging them to understand how these tools work and master them for future success. While he highlighted the potential of generative AI, such as Google’s new Veo 3 video generator unveiled at I/O 2025, Hassabis also reminded listeners that a solid foundation in STEM remains vital.

He noted that soft skills like creativity, resilience, and adaptability are equally essential—traits that will help young people thrive in a future defined by constant technological change. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in industries from education to entertainment, Hassabis’ message is clear – the next generation must balance technical knowledge with human ingenuity to stay ahead in tomorrow’s job market.

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Microsoft allegedly blocked the email of the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court

Microsoft has come under scrutiny after the Associated Press reported that the company blocked the email account of Karim Khan, Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), in compliance with US sanctions imposed by the Trump administration. 

While this ban is widely reported, Microsoft, according to DataNews, strongly denied this action, arguing that ICC moved Khan’s email to the Proton service. So far, there has been no response from the ICC. 

Legal and sovereignty implications

The incident highlights tensions between US sanctions regimes and global digital governance. Section 2713 of the 2018 CLOUD Act requires US-based tech firms to provide data under their ‘possession, custody, or control,’ even if stored abroad or legally covered by a foreign jurisdiction – a provision critics argue undermines foreign data sovereignty.

That clash resurfaces as Microsoft campaigns to be a trusted partner for developing the EU digital and AI infrastructure, pledging alignment with European regulations as outlined in the company’s EU strategy.

Broader impact on AI and digital governance

The controversy emerges amid a global race among US tech giants to secure data for AI development. Initiatives like OpenAI’s for Countries programmes, which offer tailored AI services in exchange for data access, now face heightened scrutiny. European governments and international bodies are increasingly wary of entrusting critical digital infrastructure to firms bound by US laws, fearing legal overreach could compromise sovereignty.

Why does it matter?

The ‘Khan email’ controversy makes the question of digital vulnerabilities more tangible. It also brings into focus the question of data and digital sovereignty and the risks of exposure to foreign cloud and tech providers.

DataNews reports that the fallout may accelerate Europe’s push for sovereign cloud solutions and stricter oversight of foreign tech collaborations.

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The Vatican’s peace test

In his blog post ‘Can the Vatican mediate peace today?’, Jovan Kurbalija explores the renewed possibility of the Holy See stepping in as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine. The idea, sparked by a proposal from former US President Donald Trump after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, positions the Vatican, particularly Pope Leo XIV, as a neutral ground for ceasefire negotiations.

While no concrete agreement has emerged, the Vatican’s potential role draws on its historic reputation for diplomacy rooted not in power, but in moral persuasion and enduring principles. The Holy See’s legacy as a discreet but effective mediator is long established, from its influence during the Cuban Missile Crisis to its guiding hand in colonial negotiations in the 19th century.

Pope Leo XIV, who previously denounced Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, now demonstrates a core Vatican strength: the ability to uphold moral clarity while remaining open to dialogue. This nuanced approach, increasingly rare in today’s polarised geopolitics, embodies the Vatican’s distinctive role on the global stage.

Supporting this potential initiative is the Community of Sant’Egidio, a lay Catholic association known for mediating conflicts in Mozambique, Guatemala, and the Central African Republic. Their quiet, faith-rooted diplomacy has repeatedly succeeded where formal channels have failed, reinforcing the Church’s potential impact in resolving even deeply entrenched conflicts.

In an age dominated by digital noise and political posturing, the Vatican’s patient, values-driven approach may offer a much-needed alternative. If the talks move forward, they will test the relevance of religious diplomacy in the 21st century and challenge modern assumptions about where genuine peacebuilding can begin.

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The power of compromise

In a recent blog post titled ‘Compromise is not a dirty word – It’s the glue holding humanity together,’ Jovan Kurbalija reflects on the often misunderstood nature of compromise. Prompted by the sight of Lucid cars in Geneva, Switzerland, bearing the slogan ‘Compromise Nothing,’ he questions why compromise is so frequently seen as weakness when it is the foundation of human coexistence.

From families to international diplomacy, our ability to meet halfway allows us to survive and thrive together. Kurbalija reminds us that the word comes from the Latin for ‘promising together’—a mutual commitment rather than a concession.

In today’s world, however, standing firm is glorified while compromise is dismissed. Yet, he argues, true courage lies in embracing others’ needs without surrendering one’s principles and navigating the messy but necessary space between absolutes.

He contrasts this human necessity with how compromise is portrayed in marketing—as a flaw to be avoided—and in tech jargon, where being ‘compromised’ means a breach or failure. These modern distortions have led us to equate flexibility with defeat, instead of maturity. In truth, refusing to compromise risks far more than bending a little.

Ultimately, Kurbalija calls for a shift in mindset: rather than rejecting compromise altogether, we should learn to use it wisely, to preserve the greater good over rigid standoffs. In a world as interconnected and fragile as ours, compromise is not surrender; it’s survival.

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New quantum method mimics molecular chemistry efficiently

Researchers have used a single atom to simulate how molecules react to light, marking a milestone in quantum chemistry.

The experiment, carried out by a team at the University of Sydney and published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on 14 May, could accelerate the path to a quantum advantage, where quantum simulations outperform classical computing methods.

Instead of relying on multiple qubits, the team used a single ytterbium ion confined in a vacuum to mimic the complex interactions within organic molecules such as allene, butatriene and pyrazine.

The molecules react to photons through a series of electron and atomic movements, which are difficult to model using conventional computing when the number of vibrational modes increases.

The researchers encoded electronic excitations into the ion’s internal states and its motion along two directions in the trap, simulating molecular vibrations. By manipulating the ion with lasers, they emulated how the molecules behave after absorbing a photon.

The team then measured changes in the ion’s excited state over time to track the simulation’s progress. The method’s accuracy was validated by comparing results with known behaviours of the molecules.

While these specific molecules can still be simulated with traditional methods, the team believes their hardware-efficient approach could model more complex chemical systems using only a few dozen ions, rather than millions of qubits.

Experts, including quantum chemist Alán Aspuru-Guzik and Duke University’s Kenneth Brown, praised the work as a significant advance in quantum simulation.

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Why ITU’s legacy still shapes our digital world

On 17 May 1865, 20 European countries came together to create the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a response to the tedious and inefficient telegraph system that required messages to be rewritten at every border. This practical move—born not from idealism but necessity—paved the way for a global communications framework that continues to underpin today’s digital world.

From the first bilateral agreements to modern platforms like Instagram and AI tools like ChatGPT, the same core principle remains: international cooperation is essential to seamless communication. Despite revolutionary advances in technology, diplomacy has changed slowly.

Yet ITU’s mission—to balance national interests with shared global connectivity—has remained constant. For instance, debates over digital privacy and cybersecurity today echo those from the 19th century over telegraph regulation.

Even as US policies toward multilateralism shift, its consistent support for the ITU showcases how diplomacy can maintain continuity across centuries of change. As Jovan Kurbalija notes in his recent blog post, understanding this long arc of diplomatic history is essential for making sense of today’s tech governance debates.

Crises often trigger breakthroughs in multilateral governance. The Titanic disaster, for example, catalysed swift international regulation of radio communication after years of stagnation. In our interconnected AI-driven era, similar ‘Titanic moments’ could once again force urgent global agreements.

That is especially pressing as technology continues to reshape power structures, favouring innovators and standard-setters, and reviving the age-old race between digital ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots.’

Why does it matter?

ITU’s 160-year legacy is a testament to the endurance of diplomacy amid technological disruption. While tools evolve—from telegraphs to AI—the diplomatic mission to resolve conflicts and foster cooperation remains unchanged. The story of ITU, as Kurbalija reflects, is not just about commemorating the past, but recognising the urgent need for global cooperation in shaping our digital future.

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AlphaEvolve by DeepMind automates code optimisation and discovers new algorithms

Google’s DeepMind has introduced AlphaEvolve, a new AI-powered coding agent designed to autonomously discover and optimise computer algorithms.

Built on large language models and evolutionary techniques, AlphaEvolve aims to assist experts across mathematics, engineering, and computer science by improving existing solutions and generating new ones.

Unlike natural language-based models, AlphaEvolve uses automated evaluators and iterative evolution strategies—like mutation and crossover—to refine algorithmic solutions.

DeepMind reports success across several domains, including matrix multiplication, data centre scheduling, chip design, and AI model training.

In one case, AlphaEvolve developed a new method for multiplying 4×4 complex matrices using just 48 scalar multiplications, surpassing a longstanding result from 1969. It also improved job scheduling in Google data centres, recovering an average of 0.7% of global compute resources.

In mathematical tests, AlphaEvolve rediscovered known solutions 75% of the time and improved them in 20% of cases. While experts have praised its potential, researchers also stress the importance of secure deployment and responsible use.

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Google’s quantum chip hints at multiverse

Google’s new quantum computer chip, Willow, has performed a computation in under five minutes that would take traditional supercomputers ten septillion years. Experts now believe this feat could support the multiverse theory, as Willow might be tapping into parallel universes to process information.

Willow also significantly reduces error rates, a major breakthrough in the field of quantum computing. The chip’s unprecedented speed and accuracy could pave the way for hybrid AI systems that combine quantum and classical computing.

Physicists like Hartmut Neven and David Deutsch suggest quantum mechanics implies multiple realities, reinforcing theories once considered speculative. If accessible and scalable, Willow could usher in an era of AI powered by multiverse-level processing.

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New AI tool predicts post-surgery infection risk

Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) has developed a pioneering AI model, PERISCOPE, designed to predict infection risk in patients following surgery. PERISCOPE will become a standard tool at LUMC, with full implementation expected by mid-2026.

Based on data from over 250,000 surgical procedures, the tool provides a personalised risk assessment within seven to thirty days post-operation, helping healthcare providers intervene earlier and reduce complications.

The AI model, developed by PhD researcher Siri van der Meijden, uses pseudonymised patient data including medical history, vital signs and existing conditions to identify those most at risk.

During testing, PERISCOPE performed as well as experienced doctors and outperformed less experienced ones, making it a valuable decision-support tool. Once fully adopted, the tool is expected to save time, improve patient outcomes, and potentially predict other complications.

Rather than replace clinicians, it complements their judgement by offering a clear, visual dashboard of infection risk levels. Integration into hospital systems remains a challenge, but preparations are underway.

Van der Meijden continues to develop the model to expand its predictive capabilities and ensure long-term impact not only in the Netherlands, but globally.

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