Professor Paulo Shakarian from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science has been selected as one of ten speakers for the 40th Annual Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) Conference. This prestigious event will take place in Singapore from January 20-27, 2026. Shakarian’s presentation will focus on the emerging field of metacognitive artificial intelligence.
Exploring Metacognitive AI
The AAAI Conference serves as a leading platform for advancing the scientific understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications. The conference will highlight emerging trends that are shaping future research agendas across various AI subdisciplines and related fields. Shakarian’s talk will center on his recent paper titled “Towards Artificial Metacognition.”
Metacognitive AI examines systems capable of self-monitoring and regulating their own processes. Drawing from cognitive psychology, this field explores how humans manage their cognitive functions, offering insights that can be applied to AI development. Shakarian expressed his enthusiasm about being invited to share his research, stating, “It is an honor to have been selected to present an emerging trend talk at AAAI.”
He further noted the diverse community that has developed around artificial metacognition, encompassing not only computer scientists but also experts from cognitive psychology, systems engineering, and aerospace. “Developing artificial systems that reason about themselves is, in my view, a key challenge that we must address in order to deliver AI systems that are more resilient and robust,” Shakarian added.
Recent Contributions and Recognition
Shakarian has made significant contributions to the field of metacognitive AI, authoring numerous papers and editing a book on the subject. His research has garnered attention and funding from notable organizations, including the Army and DARPA. Recently, he received funding for advanced Nvidia-based GPU systems that will enhance research capabilities at Syracuse University.
In addition to his research, Shakarian has fostered a collaborative environment by organizing workshops focused on metacognition since 2023. His efforts have been recognized by peers, with Alex Jones, chair of electrical engineering and computer science, stating, “Paulo’s innovative work in metacognitive and neuro-symbolic AI represents the next wave of AI research.”
Shakarian’s recognition by the AAAI is not only a testament to his leadership in the field but also highlights Syracuse University’s growing influence in the realm of artificial intelligence.
