Image Source: Freepik.com
Sadaf Ansari, a Senior Scientist at the Marine Instrumentation Division (MID) of the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Goa, has been awarded the esteemed Indo-German WISER Award 2024.
The Indo-German Science & Technology Centre has recognized Ansari’s groundbreaking research in the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in oceanography, which she will undertake in Germany.
AI-Driven Advanced Plankton Analysis
Ansari’s project, titled ‘AI-Driven Advanced Plankton Analysis for Ocean Monitoring,’ will be conducted in collaboration with Prof. Rainer Kiko, a Heisenberg Professor and Group Leader of the Plankton Biogeochemistry and Dynamics Group at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, Germany. The research, funded for three years, aims to leverage AI to enhance plankton analysis and ocean monitoring.
Recognition and Motivation
Reacting to the award, Ansari expressed her enthusiasm and gratitude: “Receiving such awards is very encouraging, as it shows that your research is being appreciated and funded. I am very passionate about Artificial Intelligence (AI). This award is a recognition of my hard work, dedication, and contributions to the field of AI in oceanography. It acknowledges my efforts and motivates me to break new ground in my research.”
Ansari further highlighted the collaboration opportunities the award facilitates: “Additionally, it provides opportunities for further research and collaboration with the research team in Germany, enabling me to contribute to significant advancements in AI-driven research in the Indian Ocean.”
The Importance of Plankton Research
Under this award, Ansari will focus on ‘AI-driven Plankton Image Analysis for Ocean Monitoring.’ She elaborated on the significance of her project: “Plankton are essential components of our oceans. Phytoplankton, the plant plankton, produce oxygen crucial for supporting life on Earth. Zooplankton, the animal component, play a vital role in the biological carbon pump and fish production.
Consequently, ocean and climate researchers seek to understand how climate change and global warming affect these organisms.” Identifying and counting plankton, however, is challenging due to their complex morphological features and vast taxonomic diversity. Traditional manual methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive. “But AI helps in completing the task on a real-time basis,” Ansari noted.
Collaboration with CSIR-NIO
In 2019, Ansari collaborated with Dr. Dattesh V Desai, a Biological Oceanographer and Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, to address this challenge using AI. “Our work has achieved significant success. With the Indo-German WISER Award, we will scale up our efforts,” she said.
The Future of AI in Oceanography
Discussing the future role of AI in ocean research, especially in India, Ansari stated, “In India, integrating AI into ocean research holds immense promise for sustainable resource management, disaster mitigation, pollution control, and climate research. As technology advances, AI’s role in oceanography is expected to expand, providing deeper insights and more effective management of the Indian Ocean.”
