Dr. Ivano Malavolta Receives Dutch ICT Research Prize 2024 for Advancing Energy-Efficient Robotics Software

Dr. Ivano Malavolta Receives Dutch ICT Research Prize 2024 for Advancing Energy-Efficient Robotics Software

(IN BRIEF) Dr. Ivano Malavolta, associate professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, has been awarded the prestigious Dutch Prize for ICT Research 2024 for his groundbreaking work in energy-efficient robotics software. Presented during NWO ICT.OPEN2024 by Professor Ad Ijzerman and Professor Han La Poutré, the prize recognizes Malavolta’s significant contributions amid the flourishing era of robotization and autonomous systems. His research addresses crucial design considerations for energy consumption in high-tech industries, such as self-driving cars and drones, leading the way in the development of ‘green robotics software.’ The prize includes a €50,000 cash award to support Malavolta’s ongoing research efforts, along with a video showcasing his work for dissemination in educational institutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) THE HAGUE, 12-Apr-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — During NWO ICT.OPEN2024, on 11 April at the Jaarbeurs Utrecht, the Dutch Prize for ICT Research 2024 was awarded to Ivano Malavolta, associate professor in the Software and Sustainability Research group at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Professor Ad Ijzerman, on behalf of the Royal Dutch Science Association (KHMW) and Professor Han La Poutré, on behalf of ICT Research Platform Netherlands (IPN) presented the prestigious prize.

Malavolta is at the helm of research into energy-efficient robotics software. Amid an era in which robotisation is flourishing in the high-tech industry and autonomous robots, such as self-driving cars and drones, are booming, energy consumption in these systems is becoming a crucial design consideration, including for the software that controls these systems. The development of ‘green robotics software’ is growing rapidly. Malavolta has undeniably made substantial progress in this innovative field of informatics.

Attached to the prize is a cash prize of € 50,000, which can be freely used by the winner to strengthen his research. The prestigious Dutch ICT Research Prize is awarded annually to a senior academic scientific researcher who has carried out innovative research or is responsible for a scientific breakthrough in ICT. The prize is made available by the members of the ICT Research Platform Netherlands (IPN)* with a grant from COMMIT\, through the Royal Holland Society of Sciences. In addition to the aforementioned prize money made available to the winner, Malavolta will record a video explaining the award-winning work and its importance for dissemination at secondary schools, universities and other knowledge institutions.

In addition to the prize money, a video has also been produced with more information about Dr Ivano Malavolta and his award-winning work.

The previous winners of the Dutch Prize for ICT research are:

• Dr. Cristiano Giuffrida – VU University (2023)
• Dr Jasmin Blanchette – VU University (2022)
• Dr Felienne Hermans – Leiden University (2021)
• Dr Pablo Cesar – Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) (2020)
• Professor Elmar Eisemann – Delft University of Technology (2019)
• Professor Joost Batenburg – CWI / Leiden University (2018)
• Dr Peter Schwabe – Nijmegen University (2017)
• Professor Alexandru Iosup – Delft University of Technology/ VU Amsterdam (2016)
• Dr Birna van Riemsdijk – Delft University of Technology (2015)
• Professor Marieke Huisman – University of Twente (2013)
• Dr Cees Snoek – University of Amsterdam (2012)
• Professor Bettina Speckmann – Eindhoven University of Technology (2011)

About KHMW
Founded in 1752, the Royal Holland Society of Sciences aims to promote science and bridge the gap between science and society. It does this by launching competitions, awarding scientific achievements and organising lectures and scientific conferences. The Hollandsche Maatschappij has been based at Hodshon House in Haarlem since 1841

About IPN
IPN is a national platform for the Dutch ICT research field and acts as the point of contact towards policymakers, politics, industry and other social groups. IPN gives ICT in the Netherlands a stronger position as a scientific discipline and makes it more visible.

* Except WUR

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Source: NWO