Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Sovereignty, Tunisia, Technological Independence, National Strategy, Local Talent Development, Innovation Ecosystem

Dr. Anna Maria Mandalari is an Assistant Professor in the Information and Communications Engineering research group at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University College London (UCL). She is also an Honorary Research Fellow at the Institute for Security Science and Technology at Imperial College London and an Expert Fellow of the UK SPRITE+ Hub.

Her research focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT), privacy, security, networking, and Internet measurement techniques. She studies the privacy implications and information exposure of IoT devices, developing models and evaluation strategies based on Internet measurement techniques. Her work plays a crucial role in EU-funded research projects, contributing significantly to advancements in cybersecurity, data protection, and ethical AI.

Dr. Mandalari obtained her PhD at Carlos III University of Madrid under the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie METRICS project, designed to support outstanding researchers. She has been nominated as a Member of the Italian Technical Secretariat of the Committee for Strategies on the Use of AI, where she helps shape national AI policies.

Beyond academia, she is an international speaker, raising awareness on topics related to security, privacy, and ethical AI. She actively engages with the media and policymakers, ensuring that her research has a real-world impact. Additionally, she is dedicated to inspiring young women to pursue careers in STEM fields, advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in technology and research.

keywords : Thermal Management of Electronic Devices and Applications of Intelligent Methods for Modeling of These Systems

A highly motivated and results-driven engineer with a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions, timely project execution, and resourcefulness. With extensive experience in hardware and firmware design, I have successfully integrated technical expertise with efficient project management, organizational, and communication skills. Currently, I work within the R&D team, where I am responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining firmware, as well as testing prototypes for advanced hardware solutions. My role encompasses all aspects of hardware and firmware design, including digital and analog circuits, ensuring smooth integration, verification, and transition to full-scale production. My key responsibilities include planning and managing R&D projects, developing high-speed VHDL algorithms incorporating elements such as DPD, CRF, and QMC operating up to 2.7 GHz, and supporting the integration and verification of firmware for various products. Additionally, I oversee the transfer of designs to production, troubleshoot technical challenges, and contribute to innovation and optimization in product development. I am also actively involved in maintaining detailed design documentation, test plans, and technical reports with strict version control, alongside hands-on work with spectrum analyzers, Vector Network Analyzers, and surface mount soldering techniques.

Beyond hardware engineering, I have extensive experience as a Network and IT Security Specialist, where I managed a portfolio of 40+ clients and led a team of 10 analysts. In this client-facing role, I was responsible for overseeing the entire project lifecycle, from technical evaluation to process verification, while directly reporting to senior management. My expertise includes identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks, data privacy concerns, and access security vulnerabilities, as well as developing software tools for data analysis. Additionally, I played a crucial role in liaising with senior executives and risk committees, preparing and managing budgets, and providing technical training and mentorship to junior staff. Recognized for outstanding performance for three consecutive years, I have built a strong foundation in cybersecurity, data analysis, and IT risk management, ensuring robust security frameworks and compliance measures for various organizations.

With a passion for technology innovation, research, and problem-solving, I am committed to driving excellence in hardware engineering, cybersecurity, and IT security, while contributing to cutting-edge advancements in technology.