Published on 14.01.2025
Written by FinEst Centre for Smart Cities
We’ve made a habit at the FinEst Centre to introduce our new team members. Each brings unique expertise, academic ambitions, and diverse experiences, along with fascinating hobbies and ideas.
Today, we’re excited to introduce Dr. Avleen Malhi, who has recently joined the FinEst Centre’s team. Enjoy learning more about her in this short interview!
I am Dr. Avleen Malhi, an Adjunct Professor with a PhD in Computer Science and autonomous vehicles, specializing in Explainable AI (XAI), machine learning, and smart city applications.
Originally from India, I’ve pursued an enriching academic and professional journey spanning institutions such as Aalto University in Finland, the University of Warwick in the UK, Bournemouth University in the UK and Thapar University in India.
As an Adjunct Professor, I will actively lead and contribute to various roles and projects:
A lifelong learner and explorer, I enjoy blending technology with creativity. I’m passionate about leveraging machine learning and AI for smart city applications and medical imaging as well as for environmental sustainability.
Outside my professional sphere, I find joy in hiking, travelling and cultural exchanges that deepen my understanding of global perspectives. Travelling is what makes me me, and I want to travel to each corner of the world – to Antarctica, for example.
I absolutely adore winters, being surrounded by pristine snow-covered landscapes and the serene beauty of nature—it feels like stepping into a real-life fairytale!
My research lies at the intersection of AI, IoT, and urban systems, with a strong focus on transparency, predictive analytics, and real-time decision-making. These domains are crucial for the development of smart cities, particularly in areas like mobility, sustainability, and citizen engagement.
For example, my work on eParkly aimed to revolutionize urban mobility by introducing a real-time, demand-based parking management system.
Another highlight is my contribution to the EU H2020 Finest Twins project, which enhanced cross-border collaboration between Finland and Estonia to develop resilient urban ecosystems.
My work also integrates Explainable AI into applications like disaster management and healthcare, ensuring transparency in decision-making processes essential for inclusive smart cities.
I bring over 12 years of academic and industry experience, highlighted by:
Through these experiences, I’ve honed a unique interdisciplinary profile, making me well-equipped to contribute to the FinEst Centre and the broader smart city ecosystem.
My fascination with AI stems from its ability to solve real-world problems, combining technology, human-centric design, and sustainability. My early work showed me the transformative potential of interdisciplinary research, a passion I’ve carried forward into domains like urban mobility, healthcare and data analytics.
I find the dynamic challenges of smart cities particularly exciting as they require innovative solutions that directly impact citizens’ lives.
The FinEst Centre represents a unique opportunity to collaborate across borders and disciplines to shape the future of urban living. I aim to contribute:
In return, I hope to gain access to FinEst’s multidisciplinary network, resources, and opportunities to pilot innovative ideas in real-world urban environments. My goal is to co-create solutions that prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and sustainability.
The future of smart cities lies in striking a balance between technological innovation and human-centric values. I envision cities that leverage AI and IoT for sustainable mobility, efficient resource management and equitable access to services.
The FinEst Centre can lead this transformation by fostering interdisciplinary research, piloting innovative projects and scaling solutions globally.
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