In a world where the importance of technology and modern technologies is increasing, artificial intelligence has become a magic stick with the ability to create a qualitative shift and revolutionize various areas, including health care, education, finance and politics.
Among the prominent Arab figures in the field of artificial intelligence and predictive analysis, Moroccan professor and researcher Anas Bari demonstrated his position in innovation and research in the United States, and he is currently a professor at New York University (NYU) and director of the expected and artificial intelligence laboratory at the university.
In a special meeting with Al -Jazeera Net, Barry pointed out the need for young people to be interested in building strong foundations in mathematics and computer science and the use of artificial intelligence morally, stressing the need to establish the first university and ministry specialized in artificial intelligence in the Arab region.
The academic path
Anas Bari was born in the city of Tangier, Morocco, where he studied in government schools and specialized in mathematics. Anas indicated in his interview with Al -Jazeera Net that he completed his studies at the Akhawin University with Franst by financing from a student loan, and he obtained a Bachelor of Computer Science, graduating at the forefront of his payment in 2007.
Upon joining the “Merck” company, Barry was one of the first employees to contribute to building the infrastructure of the Tangier Mediterranean Port, one of the largest industrial ports in the world and the largest port in Africa and the Mediterranean.
To achieve his academic ambitions, he submitted his request in the Volibright program, which is one of the most famous scholarships in the world and received the scholarship in the second attempt.
In 2010, he moved to Washington, DC, to complete a master’s degree and then doctorate in computer science at George Washington University, and graduated at the forefront of 99%.
His doctoral research focused on exploration in data and collective intelligence, which are two branches of artificial intelligence. He became one of the first researchers to developed algorithms inspired by nature, specifically the behavior of birds, to design predictive analysis.
Barry believes that the solutions of many of the world’s problems are present in nature. “This faith has led me to specialize in collective intelligence and study the collective behavior of smart species such as birds, bees and dolphins to develop algorithms that are used today to launch widely in platforms such as Netflix, Amazon and decision -making systems.”
Teaching and research
After obtaining a doctorate, the Moroccan professor joined the World Bank Group in Washington, DC as a major data scientist, before returning to academic circles as a professor of computer science at George Washington University, where he received the award for the best professor for the year.
And 10 years ago, he moved to New York University to occupy the position of professor and researcher, and runs a laboratory of more than 29 scientists “I work with a group of senior scientists at the Korent Institute, which is one of the best centers in the field of artificial intelligence.”
Parallel to teaching, Barry has played several consulting roles with well -known institutions, such as Wall Street, health care organizations, the United Nations and others.
The first artificial intelligence university
A professor at New York University to Tel Aviv Tribune Net stressed the need to bring about a fundamental change of the educational system in the Arab countries, from primary schools to public universities in particular.
“The governments must give priority to investments in artificial intelligence to ensure that Arab students enter the race at the global level and take advantage of the technological capabilities to prepare a new generation of thinkers and use artificial intelligence in major sectors, such as agriculture, tourism and renewable energy,” he said.
“When we witnessed 3 major technological revolutions in the last century- personal computer, internet and artificial intelligence- we were only at the consumer site. Today, artificial intelligence represents an exceptional opportunity to lead this revolution instead of staying in the seat of spectators and its followers only.”
Consequently, Barry proposes the establishment of the first university specialized in artificial intelligence in Morocco or one of the Arab countries, which includes the College of Computer Science, the College of predictive analyzes and the College of Artificial Intelligence Ethics.
The Moroccan professor considers that this initiative will ensure the graduation of thousands of experts in this field, “and this will be the best investment that the Arab countries in its history. From Al -Jazeera Net, I call for immediate work and I am ready to cooperate with a clear and implementable plan to achieve this ambition and take bold and effective steps towards the future.”
Barry also urged all countries of the region to develop a national strategy to establish a ministry for artificial intelligence, such as the Ministry of State for AI, digital economy and remote work applications in the United Arab Emirates.
The spokesman believes that the Emirati experience is a model that can be carried out after the launch of the Mohammed bin Zayed University of AI in Abu Dhabi and the appointment of the first minister of artificial intelligence in the world.
Awards and innovations
In appreciation of what he achieved in education and research, Anas Bari won the Martin Luther King Award for 2025, and this award is awarded to the distinguished faculty members who embody the spirit of Dr. King Jr. in his studies, life and work in the field of justice, and who promote the principles and ethics of King’s global contributions to their research, teaching, leadership and efforts in building society.
Commenting on this, the professor said, “This appreciation carries a great meaning for me and reflects the values that I seek to instill in my students, especially the service of people and nations, which are values that we find for Moroccans and Arab peoples.”
Anas Bari led the first team of computer scientists and doctors to develop an artificial intelligence system capable of predicting severe cases from Kovid1 in 2020, by combining predictive analyzes, clinical data and demographic factors for patients and others.
In 2021, he created a tool that relies on artificial intelligence to monitor and track misleading information about the Corona virus and measuring the level of confidence in the vaccines. Two years later, he participated in creating an algorithm to redefine the recommendation systems through the “Pyronk” program, which was inspired by his behavior from the way the swarms of birds are self -organized.
During the recent US presidential elections, Professor led a team of scientists to design an artificial intelligence data tool to analyze and predict election results.
When asked about the projects he is currently working on, Barry said that he is focusing on researching artificial intelligence and nuclear energy where he cooperates with prominent experts, including Professor David Nagl – who is one of the leading international researchers in the field of energy to develop advanced artificial intelligence tools to explore a promising new source of energy known as LENR.
“Our goal is to accelerate the commercial research and development of this innovative nuclear source, which may revolutionize global energy production. Our business has been presented in the most important international nuclear energy conferences, and we are still continuing to expand the horizons of artificial intelligence applications in this sector.”
Besides, his research laboratory works to develop artificial intelligence research in health care, financing, climate science, and artificial intelligence development.
The recipe for success
On the recipe for success in the field of artificial intelligence, he stressed that in addition to practical and scientific experience, persistence, commitment, and promoting the sense of curiosity and openness to cooperation from passwords for excellence in this field is considered.
He also focused in his conversation with Al -Jazeera Net on many human values, such as dedication to work and honesty, saying, “My late mother, Rachida Baragas, implanted the value of integrity and honesty in all the efforts that I make, and she always told me: I work hard and honestly in everything she does.”
“Moroccans and Arab youth are talented and committed people with hard work because it applies in their blood. Since artificial intelligence continues to develop and spread, the demand for university graduates who have specialized knowledge and skills will increase in it. So, I advise them to build strong foundations in mathematics, computer science and the use of artificial intelligence morally, despite its enormous capabilities, it comes with important moral considerations Very “.
“Throughout my career, I faced many challenges and refusal. When I joined the University of the Brotherhood, my studies were difficult and despite the help of my parents, I had to take a large loan from the bank. My request was also refused to obtain a Volibright grant the first time, but I applied again and succeeded.”
Anas Bari added, “I faced many refusers in job opportunities, and I was unemployed for more than a year. Rejection and failures continued when I moved to the United States. The journey was never easy; failure and rejection are part of the experiment. We as human beings do not fail, but we learn from our failures. In the end, those who succeed are the ones who never give up.”
