The Conference on Information Processing and Management of Uncertainty (IPMU) has awarded the esteemed 2024 Kampé de Fériet Award to Professor Judea. A prominent figure in the fields of computer science and statistics at UCLA, Pearl also directs the Cognitive Systems Laboratory. The award acknowledges Pearl’s seminal contributions to probabilistic reasoning in artificial intelligence, specifically his work on Bayesian networks and the science of causality.

Professor Pearl’s research has revolutionized our ability to understand and manage uncertainty in AI systems. His work has made it possible to reason about real-world complexity with unprecedented accuracy, laying the foundation for certain AI systems’ ability to infer causal relationships, a crucial component for making decisions in uncertain environments. His foundational research on causal and counterfactual reasoning provides a pathway for machines to mimic human reasoning processes, making AI more interpretable, reliable, and ultimately, trustworthy.

Pearl’s groundbreaking insights have not only advanced the theoretical framework of artificial intelligence but have also had practical applications across a variety of fields, including economics, healthcare, and the social sciences. This prestigious award underscores the impact of his contributions on both AI and the broader scientific community.

For more information on this award, visit IPMU’s official page. For Pearl’s technical background and his personal reflections, visit https://ucla.in/2Qg0Rfs.