- The Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Serbia announced the launch of ARTIFACT (Artificial Intelligence for Flood Resilient Infrastructure)
- ARTIFACT is an EU Horizon project aimed at bolstering flood resilience and improving urban environments.
- This project is a collaborative effort with top European institutions, including the Delft University of Technology, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, and Hamburg University of Technology.
“The ARTIFACT project represents a major leap not only for our Institute but for Serbia as a whole,” said acting director Prof. Dr. Dubravko Ćulibrk. “Through partnerships with Europe’s leading research institutions, we’re expanding our capabilities in applying AI to complex environmental and infrastructure challenges. Our vision is to become a regional hub for green AI, combining scientific innovation with community-focused solutions.”
ARTIFACT will deploy advanced AI models that surpass traditional, physics-based approaches to flood forecasting. These tools enable more precise predictions and faster responses to extreme weather, enhancing infrastructure resilience and supporting local communities.
“The goal of ARTIFACT is to strengthen urban infrastructure against floods using AI and nature-inspired solutions,” explained Dr. Milan Stojković, head of the Institute’s “Green AI” research group.
“We aim to develop tools for improved flood prediction and management, establishing our Institute as a regional leader in AI for water challenges. Among our priorities is adapting innovations to Serbia’s unique climate and infrastructure conditions through partnerships with the IT sector and academia,” he added.
European project partners also shared their perspectives during the project kickoff meeting.
“Flooding is a global issue, and we believe artificial intelligence will play a vital role in managing future flood risks. We’re thrilled to contribute to ARTIFACT, where we will tackle real-world flooding challenges and exchange expertise with our partners,” said Prof. Dr. Zoran Kapelan, head of the Urban Water Infrastructure Group at Delft University of Technology.
Prof. Dr. Nataša Manojlović from Hamburg University of Technology added, “ARTIFACT is a fantastic opportunity to establish long-term partnerships with Serbian institutions, addressing shared research goals in flood management through AI and bio-inspired technology. I look forward to contributing to Serbia’s scientific growth with my experience and network.”
ARTIFACT fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers and AI specialists from Serbia, the Netherlands, and Germany, aiming to create sustainable, effective flood protection solutions. With this project, the Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Serbia reaffirms its commitment to impactful research and innovation for environmental resilience and societal benefit.
