Current research at the Productivity from Information Technology (PROFIT) Initiative at MIT is characterized by four facets as follows:
Input side Facet: Deals with how information can be effectively transferred from paper and other traditional media into computers. The research on automated reading of unconstrained handwritten documents will be highlighted at this seminar (Knowledge Acquisition);
Processing Facet: Deals with the use of neural networks and other data mining techniques to gain better insights into data from many domains (logistics, medical, weather, aviation, and gnemonic). The joint proposal on bio-informatics with several local universities pertains to this category (Knowledge Discovery);
Sharing Facet: Deals with the issue of overcoming heterogeneities of different types and the use of trusted agents to elicit information from computer-based systems (Knowledge Management); and
Networking Facet: Deals with issues of P2P systems, automated network management, and grid computing (Knowledge Dissemination). The speaker, Dr. Amar Gupta, is Co-Founder and Co-Director of the PROFIT Initiative at MIT. He will discuss the key highlights of the four facets and also describe the research activities pertaining to one facet in greater detail.