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Complex Intelligent Systems Research group
Complex Intelligent Systems Research group
Complex Intelligent Systems Research group
Complex Intelligent Systems Research group
Complex Intelligent Systems Research group
Complex Intelligent Systems Research group
CIS Members
Complex Intelligent Systems is an interdisciplinary research group focused on solving large complex problems, and it is currently made up of 2 professors; 1 fixed-term assistant professor; 2 post-docs; 1 PhD students; 3 external collaborations; and several students between bachelor's degree and MSc.
The faculty members serve also as lecturers at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, for a several undergraduate and graduate courses in Computer Science, such as Artificial Intelligence; Heuristics & Metaheuristics for Optimization and Learning; Operating Systems; Randomized Algorithms, and Discrete Structures.
Meet the Team Behind the Research
Staff Members
Mario Pavone
Associate Professor &
Mario F. Pavone is Associate Professor in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His research interests include metaheuristics, optimization, complex networks, machine learning and computational biology.
Currently he is teaching Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence; Heuristics and Metaheuristics for Optimization and Learning; and Operating Systems.
email: mpavone @ dmi.unict.it
Associate Professor &
CIS Team Leader
Mario F. Pavone is Associate Professor in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His research interests include metaheuristics, optimization, complex networks, machine learning and computational biology.
Currently he is teaching Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence; Heuristics and Metaheuristics for Optimization and Learning; and Operating Systems.
email: mpavone @ dmi.unict.it
Vincenzo Cutello
Full Professor
Vincenzo Cutello is Full Professor in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His research interests include algorithms, combinatorial optimization and evolutionary computation.
Currently he is teaching Artificial Intelligence, Randomized Algorithms and Discrete Structures.
email: cutello @ unict.it
Full Professor
Vincenzo Cutello is Full Professor in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His research interests include algorithms, combinatorial optimization and evolutionary computation.
Currently he is teaching Artificial Intelligence, Randomized Algorithms and Discrete Structures.
email: cutello @ unict.it
Claudia Cavallaro
Research Fellow
Claudia Cavallaro is Research Fellow (RTDa) in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
Her research interests include Metaheuristics, Optimization, Geo-localized Data Analysis, Big Data, Machine Learning and Anomaly Detection.
Currently she is teaching Discrete Structures.
email: claudia.cavallaro @ unict.it
Research Fellow
Claudia Cavallaro is Research Fellow (RTDa) in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
Her research interests include Metaheuristics, Optimization, Geo-localized Data Analysis, Big Data, Machine Learning and Anomaly Detection.
Currently she is teaching Discrete Structures.
email: claudia.cavallaro @ unict.it
Post-Docs
Carolina Crespi
Postdoc
Carolina Crespi is a postdoc in Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy. She is working on the research project "Developing agent-based models for optimization and collective behavior simulation".
She obtained her PhD degree in Computer Science on 26 June 2024 at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Catania, Italy.
Her research interests include Swarm Intelligence, Complex Adaptive Systems, Collective Behavior, and Agent-Based Modeling.
PhD Thesis: From Ants to Crowds: Harnessing Competition for Optimization.
email: carolina.crespi @ unict.it
Postdoc
Carolina Crespi is a postdoc in Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy. She is working on the research project "Developing agent-based models for optimization and collective behavior simulation".
She obtained her PhD degree in Computer Science on 26 June 2024 at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Catania, Italy.
Her research interests include Swarm Intelligence, Complex Adaptive Systems, Collective Behavior, and Agent-Based Modeling.
PhD Thesis: From Ants to Crowds: Harnessing Competition for Optimization.
email: carolina.crespi @ unict.it
Francesco Zito
Postdoc
Francesco Zito is a postdoc in Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, Italy. He is working on the research project "Real-time tracking of road users through fixed cameras and mobile GNSS SDR sensors".
He obtained his PhD degree in Computer Science on 10 February 2025 at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Catania, Italy.
His research interests include Machine Learning; Metaheuristics; Reverse Engineering; Decision-Making and Real-Time Optimization.
PhD Thesis: In What Ways Do Data-Driven AI Algorithms Impact Complex Real-World Systems and Decision-Making?
email: francesco.zito @ unict.it
Postdoc
Francesco Zito is a postdoc in Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, Italy. He is working on the research project "Real-time tracking of road users through fixed cameras and mobile GNSS SDR sensors".
He obtained his PhD degree in Computer Science on 10 February 2025 at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Catania, Italy.
His research interests include Machine Learning; Metaheuristics; Reverse Engineering; Decision-Making and Real-Time Optimization.
PhD Thesis: In What Ways Do Data-Driven AI Algorithms Impact Complex Real-World Systems and Decision-Making?
email: francesco.zito @ unict.it
PhD Students
Alessio Mezzina
PhD Student
Alessio Mezzina is a PhD student (XXXL cycle) at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
He is graduated cum laude in Computer Science at the same University.
His research interests include Real-Time Systems, Machine Learning, Metaheuristics, and Generative AI.
email: alessio.mezzina @ phd.unict.it
PhD Student
Alessio Mezzina is a PhD student (XXXL cycle) at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
He is graduated cum laude in Computer Science at the same University.
His research interests include Real-Time Systems, Machine Learning, Metaheuristics, and Generative AI.
email: alessio.mezzina @ phd.unict.it
Students
Attilio Di Natale
MSc. Student
Attilio Di Natale is MSc student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His research focuses on agent-based models; collective behavior; optimization and machine learning.
MSc. Student
Attilio Di Natale is MSc student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His research focuses on agent-based models; collective behavior; optimization and machine learning.
Teo Nicusor Pirvan
MSc. Student
Teo Nicusor Pirvan is MSc student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His research focuses on agent-based models; cognitive sciences; decision making; and machine learning.
MSc. Student
Teo Nicusor Pirvan is MSc student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His research focuses on agent-based models; cognitive sciences; decision making; and machine learning.
Angelo Spadola
MSc. Student
Angelo Spadola is MSc student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His research focuses on network sciences; machine learning; metaheuristics and optimization.
MSc. Student
Angelo Spadola is MSc student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His research focuses on network sciences; machine learning; metaheuristics and optimization.
Andrei Daniel Stefan
MSc. Student
Andrei Daniel Stefan is MSc student in Computer Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy.
His research focuses on path finding optimization; uncertainty optimization and machine learning.
MSc. Student
Andrei Daniel Stefan is MSc student in Computer Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy.
His research focuses on path finding optimization; uncertainty optimization and machine learning.
Alberto Bocchieri
BSc. Student
Alberto Bocchieri is Bachelor student in Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His bachelor thesis is focused on artificial intelligence with main focus on LLM-RAG.
BSc. Student
Alberto Bocchieri is Bachelor student in Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His bachelor thesis is focused on artificial intelligence with main focus on LLM-RAG.
Andrea Amarù
BSc. Student
Andrea Amarù is Bachelor student in Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His bachelor thesis is focused on automated navigation in uncertainty environments using agent-based models.
BSc. Student
Andrea Amarù is Bachelor student in Artificial Intelligence at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
His bachelor thesis is focused on automated navigation in uncertainty environments using agent-based models.
Formed PhD Students
Angelo Cavallaro
Angelo Cavallaro obtained his PhD degree in Computer Science on 10 February 2024 at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy. Currently, he is CIO of "AC2 - Advanced Consulting" SrL.
His research interests include Evolutionary Computation, Optimization and Machine Learning.
PhD Thesis: FEM updating applications using Computational Intelligence Techniques.
Angelo Cavallaro obtained his PhD degree in Computer Science on 10 February 2024 at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy. Currently, he is CIO of "AC2 - Advanced Consulting" SrL.
His research interests include Evolutionary Computation, Optimization and Machine Learning.
PhD Thesis: FEM updating applications using Computational Intelligence Techniques.
Georgia Fargetta
Georgia Fargetta obtained her International PhD degree in Computer Science on 13 March 2023 at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Catania, Italy. Currently, she is Research Fellow in Computer Science at the University of Catania.
Her research interests include Optimization, Game Theory, Nash Equilibrium and Machine Learning.
PhD Thesis: Variational inequality and metaheuristic approaches to model and investigate the agents’ strategies.
Research Fellow in CS.
Georgia Fargetta obtained her International PhD degree in Computer Science on 13 March 2023 at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Catania, Italy. Currently, she is Research Fellow in Computer Science at the University of Catania.
Her research interests include Optimization, Game Theory, Nash Equilibrium and Machine Learning.
PhD Thesis: Variational inequality and metaheuristic approaches to model and investigate the agents’ strategies.
Rocco A. Scollo
Rocco A. Scollo obtained his PhD degree in Computer Science on 13 March 2023 at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Catania, Italy.
His research interests include Immune-Inspired Algorithms, Community Detection, and Complex Networks.
PhD Thesis: A Hybrid Immune Algorithm to Extract Information from Complex Networks.
Rocco A. Scollo obtained his PhD degree in Computer Science on 13 March 2023 at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Catania, Italy.
His research interests include Immune-Inspired Algorithms, Community Detection, and Complex Networks.
PhD Thesis: A Hybrid Immune Algorithm to Extract Information from Complex Networks.
Antonio G. Spampinato
His research interests include Metaheuristics, Complex Networks, Genomics and Bioinformatics.
PhD Thesis: Metaheuristic Optimization in Systems Biology.
Antonio G. Spampinato obtained the PhD degree in Computer Science on 14 October 2021 at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Catania, Italy.
His research interests include Metaheuristics, Complex Networks, Genomics and Bioinformatics.
PhD Thesis: Metaheuristic Optimization in Systems Biology.
Consultants/Collaborators
Antonio Di Stefano
Antonino Di Stefano is graduated cum laude in Computer Engineering at University of Catania, Italy. Today he is member of the ANTs - Advantages New Technologies - research laboratory, and he is Co-Founder of SmartBug srl and Lead person for the Firmware Infrastructure for the SmartBug project.
His research interests include Metaheuristics, Immune-Inspired Computation and Optimization.
MSc Thesis: Clonal Selection Algorithms: How the Age Assignment to an Artificial B Cell Affects its Performances.
Antonino Di Stefano is graduated cum laude in Computer Engineering at University of Catania, Italy. Today he is member of the ANTs - Advantages New Technologies - research laboratory, and he is Co-Founder of SmartBug srl and Lead person for the Firmware Infrastructure for the SmartBug project.
His research interests include Metaheuristics, Immune-Inspired Computation and Optimization.
MSc Thesis: Clonal Selection Algorithms: How the Age Assignment to an Artificial B Cell Affects its Performances.
Giuseppe Morelli
Giuseppe Morelli is PhD in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy. He obtained his PhD degree in 2006 at the same Department.
His research interests include Optimization, Mobile Computing, Evolutionary Computation and Machine Learning.
PhD Thesis: An effective Immunological Algorithm with self-avoiding, penalty and repair heuristics for Protein Structure Prediction in 3DCubic Lattice.
Giuseppe Morelli is PhD in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy. He obtained his PhD degree in 2006 at the same Department.
His research interests include Optimization, Mobile Computing, Evolutionary Computation and Machine Learning.
PhD Thesis: An effective Immunological Algorithm with self-avoiding, penalty and repair heuristics for Protein Structure Prediction in 3DCubic Lattice.
Alessandro Vitale
Alessandro Vitale is graduated cum laude in Computer Engineering at University of Catania, Italy. Today he is member of the ANTs - Advantages New Technologies - research laboratory, and he is Co-Founder of SmartBug srl and in charge of Software Development and Cloud Service for the SmartBug project.
His research interests include Metaheuristics, Immune-Inspired Computation and Optimization.
MSc Thesis: Optimizing Maturation of Individuals for Maximizing the Evolutionary Learning.
Alessandro Vitale is graduated cum laude in Computer Engineering at University of Catania, Italy. Today he is member of the ANTs - Advantages New Technologies - research laboratory, and he is Co-Founder of SmartBug srl and in charge of Software Development and Cloud Service for the SmartBug project.
His research interests include Metaheuristics, Immune-Inspired Computation and Optimization.
MSc Thesis: Optimizing Maturation of Individuals for Maximizing the Evolutionary Learning.
Salvatore Gullotto
Giuseppe Morelli is PhD in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy. He obtained his PhD degree in 2006 at the same Department.
His research interests include Optimization, Mobile Computing, Evolutionary Computation and Machine Learning.
PhD Thesis: An effective Immunological Algorithm with self-avoiding, penalty and repair heuristics for Protein Structure Prediction in 3DCubic Lattice.
Giuseppe Morelli is PhD in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy. He obtained his PhD degree in 2006 at the same Department.
His research interests include Optimization, Mobile Computing, Evolutionary Computation and Machine Learning.
PhD Thesis: An effective Immunological Algorithm with self-avoiding, penalty and repair heuristics for Protein Structure Prediction in 3DCubic Lattice.
Formed Students
Simone Basile
Simone Basile is MSc in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
MSc. Thesis: Using Machine Learning to Optimize the Search Process in an Evolutionary Algorithm.
Simone Basile is MSc in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
MSc. Thesis: Using Machine Learning to Optimize the Search Process in an Evolutionary Algorithm.
Francesco Portoghese
Francesco Portoghese is MSc. student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
BSc. Thesis: An Overview on Automated Machine Learning.
Francesco Portoghese is MSc. student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
BSc. Thesis: An Overview on Automated Machine Learning.
Emanuele Greco
Emanuele Greco is MSc. student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
BSc. Thesis: Design a population-based algorithm to infer the parameters of a Gene Regulatory Network on the S-system model: a first approach.
Emanuele Greco is MSc. student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
BSc. Thesis: Design a population-based algorithm to infer the parameters of a Gene Regulatory Network on the S-system model: a first approach.
Guido Bordonaro
Guido Bordonaro is MSc. student in Computer Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy. He obtained the bachelor degree in Engineering Computer Science at the University of Catania, Italy.
BSc. Thesis: An Intelligent Multi-Level Approach for Community Detection in Large Networks.
Guido Bordonaro is MSc. student in Computer Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy. He obtained the bachelor degree in Engineering Computer Science at the University of Catania, Italy.
BSc. Thesis: An Intelligent Multi-Level Approach for Community Detection in Large Networks.
Davide De Pasquale
Davide De Pasquale is MSc. in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
MSc. Thesis: Hybrid Metaheuristics for Electrical Vehicle Rourting Problem.
Davide De Pasquale is MSc. in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
MSc. Thesis: Hybrid Metaheuristics for Electrical Vehicle Rourting Problem.
Tobia Calenda
Tobia Calenda is MSc. in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
MSc. Thesis: How long does an artificial individual live and mature? A GA as a case study.
Tobia Calenda is MSc. in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
MSc. Thesis: How long does an artificial individual live and mature? A GA as a case study.
Grigori Valenti
Grigori Valenti is MSc in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
MSc. Thesis: Equitable Graph Coloring by Natural Computation and Integers Partitioning.
Grigori Valenti is MSc in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
MSc. Thesis: Equitable Graph Coloring by Natural Computation and Integers Partitioning.
Damiano Cancemi
Damiano Cancemi is MSc. student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
MSc. Thesis: A Hybrid Immune Algorithm for the Weighted Feedback Vertex Set.
Damiano Cancemi is MSc. student in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
MSc. Thesis: A Hybrid Immune Algorithm for the Weighted Feedback Vertex Set.
Alice Plebe
Alice Plebe has obtained her PhD degree in Computer Science at the Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, University of Trento, Italy. Currently she is Assistant Professor (RTDa) at the University of Trento.
MSc. Thesis: A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm for Interior Illumination Design.
Alice Plebe has obtained her PhD degree in Computer Science at the Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, University of Trento, Italy. Currently she is Assistant Professor (RTDa) at the University of Trento.
MSc. Thesis: A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm for Interior Illumination Design.
Gabriella Verga
Gabriella Verga is MSc in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy. Currently, she is post-doc at the same Department, and Adjunct Professor at the bachelor degree in Computer Science.
MSc. Thesis: Design and Analysis of an Immunological Algorithm for Distribution Problems.
Gabriella Verga is MSc in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy. Currently, she is post-doc at the same Department, and Adjunct Professor at the bachelor degree in Computer Science.
MSc. Thesis: Design and Analysis of an Immunological Algorithm for Distribution Problems.
Pietro Consoli
Piero Consoli obtained his PhD degree in Computer Science at the School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, UK, under the supervision of Prof. Xin Yao.
BSc. Thesis: Artificial Bee Colony for Graph Coloring Problem.
Piero Consoli obtained his PhD degree in Computer Science at the School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham, UK, under the supervision of Prof. Xin Yao.
BSc. Thesis: Artificial Bee Colony for Graph Coloring Problem.
Alessio Collerà
Alessio Collerà is MSc. in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
BSc. Thesis: An Ant System for Graph Coloring.
Alessio Collerà is MSc. in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
BSc. Thesis: An Ant System for Graph Coloring.
Adriano Strano
Adriano Strano is MSc in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
MSc. Thesis: Modelling Social Behaviour for Combinatorial Optimization.
Adriano Strano is MSc in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
MSc. Thesis: Modelling Social Behaviour for Combinatorial Optimization.
Gaetano Giuga
Gaetano Giuga is MSc in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
BSc. Thesis: Designing a Bio-Inspired Algorithm to Escape Local Optima.
Gaetano Giuga is MSc in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
BSc. Thesis: Designing a Bio-Inspired Algorithm to Escape Local Optima.
Davide Agostini
Davide Agostini is is MSc in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
BSc. Thesis: Inferring Gene Regulatory Networks using S-system Model.
Davide Agostini is is MSc in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, Italy.
BSc. Thesis: Inferring Gene Regulatory Networks using S-system Model.
Get In Touch
CIS Research Group, Department of Matematics and Computer Science, University of Catania, viale Andrea Doria 6, Catania, Italy
complexintelligentsystems@gmail.com
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