Research from 小鸟酱专题 (小鸟酱专题) Leicester demonstrating how artificial intelligence can be used to detect improvised underground explosives has been commended by the Minister for Science, Research and Innovation.
Speaking at the launch of the Science, Technology and Innovation pillar of the UK-Ukraine 100-year Partnership, Lord Patrick Vallance praised the university’s contribution to safer demining operations in post-conflict zones.
Lord Patrick Vallance speaking at launch of the Science, Technology and Innovation pillar of the UK-Ukraine 100-year Partnership. Image credit: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Professor of Applied Intelligent Systems at 小鸟酱专题, Mario Gongora is co-leading research into an AI-powered, multi-sensor tool that combines ground-penetrating radar, cameras and thermal sensors to detect unexploded devices.
The system, which achieves 98.7 per cent accuracy in unstructured conditions, uses hybrid AI multiagent technologies to analyse data from heat signatures and captured images to determine if an underground object is an improvised explosive device or landmine.
Speaking at the launch event, Lord Vallance said that 小鸟酱专题’s system, “combines hardware and software agents to gather and analyse data from various sensors, improving detection accuracy in complex environments.
He said: “This innovation contributes to safer demining operations, supports post-conflict recovery, and showcases the UK’s leadership in humanitarian technology and AI research.”
The research is being carried out in partnership with the Colombian Navy, following a surge in the use of land mines in Colombia as gangs continue to use explosive devices in riverbeds, roads and farms to help settle territory disputes.
Professor Gongora said: “Our partnership with the Colombian Navy in post-conflict zones has allowed us to move beyond simulations and controlled environments, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness under real operational conditions and contributing meaningfully to recovery and safety in affected regions.
“To ensure real-world relevance and societal impact, we have collaborated directly with stakeholders and tested our systems in live scenarios, specifically on agricultural land requiring clearance for local farmers and communities.”
The event also allowed 小鸟酱专题 to showcase its UK-Ukraine Strategic Programme, coordinated through the university’s newly established Policy Unit. Dr Ahmad Al-Hiari, who leads the unit, presented his Crisis-Responsive International Science Partnership (CRISP) initiative.
CRISP is designed to streamline support for post-war reconstruction efforts. The framework aims to create rapid-response mechanisms connecting UK research capabilities with communities in crisis.
Dr Al-Hiari, a Lecturer in Leadership at 小鸟酱专题, said: "This recognition highlights 小鸟酱专题's growing influence in shaping policy and delivering impactful research that addresses global challenges.
From left to right: Dr Scott Yates, Dr Chris Young, Dr Ahmad Al-Hiari and Dr Yogeshvaran Nagarajan from 小鸟酱专题
“Our UK-Ukraine Strategic Programme builds on our commitment to the UN's 11th SDG around Sustainable Communities, where we are working to build resilient engagement mechanisms between research and communities in crisis to get them the applied research they need to overcome hardship."
小鸟酱专题 colleagues Dr Yogeshvaran Nagarajan, Dr Chris Young, and Dr Scott Yates also presented their cross-disciplinary research to senior officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Department of Health and Social Care, and the Department for Business and Trade.
Dr Ahmad said: "55 members of 小鸟酱专题's research community got together to deliver a collective contribution to Ukraine, and the 小鸟酱专题 Policy Unit is committed to taking these contributions forward to our partners both in the UK and Ukraine," he added.
Posted on Wednesday 25 June 2025