A professor at Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation, has received the Best Design Paper Award at the 21st ASP Design Automation Conference, held in Macau, China.

Dr. Amine Bermak, who is a professor and Program Coordinator at the Information and Computing Technology Division at HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering, presented a paper outlining innovative ways of reducing the power consumption for temperature sensors. The proposed technique was implemented on a silicon chip and demonstrated in a prototype system that can not only accurately measure the temperature of the environment but also wirelessly communicate data to a reader without the use of any battery to power-up the system. This research constitutes a significant contribution to the field of Internet of Thing (IoT) in the form of a new generation of ultra-low power sensing nodes that interact with the environment, harvest energy and send data wirelessly while consuming less than 2.3 uW. 

At the conference, which is one of the leading global events in the field of electronic design automation, 299 papers were received from experts from 27 countries, of which 94 papers were selected. 12 papers were then shortlisted for best design contest and after a rigorous review process, Dr. Bermak’s paper received the Best University Design Contest Award.

Dr. Bermak explained: “The process of presenting a paper at a conference as prestigious as this one does not only include explaining your contribution but also showing real-life results and a demonstrator to show-case your research. This can be a particularly intense and sometimes a challenging process but fun.”

“This is my first conference paper with my students since joining HBKU’s College of Science and Engineering last year and I am very honored to have received this award. I am particularly proud to have the opportunity to showcase Hamad bin Khalifa University in front of a global audience.”

Dr. Bermak joined HBKU in September 2015 and will take a leading role in the teaching and research of a number of new innovative programs that are planned for launch in fall of this year. Planned programs include a Ph. D. in Computer Science and Engineering, as well as three Master of Science programs: an MS in Cybersecurity, an MS in Bioengineering, and an MS in Data Science and Engineering. 

Prior to taking up a professorship at HBKU, Dr. Bermak was a professor in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). He is an IEEE Fellow, conferred by the IEEE Board of Directors in recognition of a high level of demonstrated extraordinary accomplishment, and at HKUST, he was the recipient of the Michael G. Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching, the highest university-wide teaching award given to a single recipient each year He received his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in electrical and electronic engineering from Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France.

Dr. Mounir Hamdi, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at HBKU added: “Our unique model of providing multidisciplinary education and research in areas that are vital to HBKU’s vision and mission means that the university has attracted, and continues to attract, exceptional educators, researchers, and students. Dr. Bermak is an excellent example of the caliber of faculty within the College of Science and Engineering, and the students who will enroll on our new graduate programs will benefit greatly from his commitment to sharing his expert knowledge with them. 

“Dr. Bermak’s award is thoroughly deserved and I am delighted that his innovative work has been recognized among his peers on such an important global stage.”

Those interested in learning more about HBKU’s graduate programs are invited to attend the university’s upcoming Graduate Open House on Monday, February 8th.  Attendees will not only be able to meet with members of HBKU’s admissions team as well as key faculty members, but also be given the unique opportunity to experience a sample class and listen to a variety of mini lectures relevant to the university’s programs.  As space is limited, prospective students are invited to RSVP at http://www.hbku.edu.qa/openhouse ahead of the event.