Prof. Dr. Jameel-Un Nabi, Vice Chancellor, University of Wah, delivered a research talk in a seminar titled “Hybrid Quantum-Classical CNN for Astrophysical Object Classification” at the Department of Physics, Middle East Technical University (METU), Türkiye, on 24 September 2026. The seminar was held at Cavid Erginsoy Hall, Department of Physics, and focused on emerging applications of artificial intelligence and quantum computing in astrophysics. The seminar was hosted by Vice Chair of Physics Department METU, Prof. Dr. İsmail Turan.
In his talk, he presented a hybrid quantum-classical convolutional neural network approach for the classification of astrophysical objects. The research combines quantum feature extraction with a CNN-based model, AstroNet, and explores the potential of quantum machine learning for analysing complex astronomical data sets.
The seminar highlighted the intersection of computational physics, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, with particular emphasis on emerging computational approaches for astrophysical data analysis. It also provided an opportunity for academic exchange on the application of advanced computational techniques in contemporary physics and astronomy. The faculty members and graduate students from Physics Department and Prof. Dr. Osman Yilmaz were among the audience. The seminar served as a platform for sharing research at the intersection of physics, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, contributing to broader academic dialogue on emerging computational approaches in astrophysics.
The seminar was followed by an interaction session of physics faculty with the VC. It was agreed that the physics departments of METU and University of Wah will collaborate in future regarding joint publications and joint supervision of students.
Later, the Vice Chancellor was given a tour of the major facilities of METU. The VC was accompanied by the Special Advisor to the President METU, Prof. Dr. Ömer Delialioğlu. The venues visited included various research centers, Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology, Incubation Centers and METU Technopark.
