Meet our new Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence & Applications of AI: Dr Marco Valentino

We sat down with Dr Marvo Valentino to get to know him more, his experience, and what he will bring to the School of Computer Science.

Dr Marco Valentino

The School of Computer Science has recently welcomed Dr Marco Valentino in his role as Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence & Applications of AI. We recently sat down with Dr Valentino and asked some questions to get to know him a little better and understand more about his work, past experiences, and what he will be bringing to our School as a lecturer. 

What are your key areas of research? 

MV: My main research is at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP). My long-term goal is to build machines that can learn, reason, and explain the world using human language. To this end, I investigate methods to combine language and knowledge acquisition with formal logical reasoning, exploring the complementary features of deep learning and symbolic AI approaches. This provides a framework to improve AI-generated explanations and to better understand the general principles behind explanatory reasoning.

Did something in particular draw you to this research field?

MV: I am fascinated by the possibility of using computational methods to understand how human intelligence actually works. I believe that language and explanation are two fundamental ingredients for this, which is why I decided to dedicate my research to this field. Moreover, state-of-the-art NLP models are still largely based on statistical methods, a feature that makes them unreliable and susceptible to inconsistent behaviour. Therefore, there is a concrete need to bring explanation into the picture, especially if we aim to build systems that can be safely deployed in high-stakes domains such as science and healthcare.


Why did you want to pursue a career in academia and, in particular, in Computer Science?

MV: I believe academia is the ideal environment for free inquiry and curiosity-driven research. I chose this career path because it gives me the freedom to shape my own research journey and collaborate across disciplines. Computer science is a particularly exciting field, as it provides the tools to automate creative ideas and support scientific discovery in many different areas.
 

What is your favourite thing about teaching the next generation of computer scientists?

MV: My favourite thing about teaching is the chance to share my genuine enthusiasm and passion for the field. I would like to make students aware that Computer Science is not just a means to build a successful career, but it is also a fascinating and creative field that is worth studying for its own sake. My goal is to spark their curiosity and help them see the beauty in the subject itself.
 

What attracted you to working at The University of Sheffield?

MV: I was attracted by the great international reputation of the NLP group and the School of Computer Science, and by the possibility that the University offers to establish strong cross-disciplinary collaborations. In general, the University of Sheffield represents the perfect environment for me to start an independent academic career. In addition, Sheffield is a great city to work in, offering a balance between a vibrant city life and easy access to nature with its proximity to the Peak District.

And finally, do you have any hobbies or interests that you would like to share? 

MV: I love spending most of my free time with family and friends. I am a passionate football fan and a supporter of SSC Napoli, my hometown team. This is a great way to stay connected with my roots. I really enjoy traveling and discovering new cultures. Other hobbies include hiking, reading non-fiction, and playing electric guitar (at a very beginner level).