Biography
Dino Vlahek received the Ph.D. degree in Computer Science and is currently an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Organization and Informatics, University of Zagreb. He is an active member of the LOUISE Lab, where he contributes to interdisciplinary research that combines machine learning, data science, and explainable AI. His research interests center on advancing methods in artificial intelligence, particularly in the areas of feature learning, representation learning, and model interpretation. He is dedicated to developing computational techniques that enhance the transparency, interpretability, and practical usability of complex data-driven models. This includes designing methods that help bridge the gap between highly sophisticated AI systems and real-world users who rely on understandable, trustworthy insights. Beyond his core research, Dr. Vlahek is involved in academic teaching, mentoring, and collaborative projects aimed at applying AI methods to practical problems in a wide range of domains, spanning business analytics, decision-making, information systems, and complex socio-technical environments. His work contributes to creating AI systems that are not only high-performing but also accessible, explainable, and aligned with real-world decision-making needs.
Awards and recognitions
- 2022 – Research Award of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Informatics, University of Maribor, awarded based on an article published in IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems for 2021 (IF = 14.255).
- 2024 – Charter of Međimurje County for scientific achievements in the field of artificial intelligence.
Articles and Patents
- Vlahek, Dino; Mongus, Domen; An Efficient Iterative Approach to Explainable Feature Learning // IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems, 34 (2023), 5, str. 2606-2618. doi: 10.1109/tnnls.2021.3107049., Q1, IF=14.225
- Lokner Lađević, Adrian; Kramberger, Tin; Kramberger, Renata; Vlahek, Dino; Detection of AI-generated synthetic images with a lightweight CNN // AI, 5 (2024), 3, str. 1575-1593. doi: 10.3390/ai5030076., Q1, IF=5.0
- Vlahek, Dino; Oreški, Dijana; Pokos-Lukinec, Marija; Learning from the features we ignore: a critical perspective on feature engineering and the role of feature learning in learning analytics. IEEE Access, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3627304. Q1, IF=3.6
- PODGORELEC, David; ŽALIK, Borut; MONGUS, Domen; Vlahek, Dino; A new alternating suboptimal dynamic programming algorithm with applications for feature selection // Mathematics, (2024), 12 (13), str. 22. ISSN 2227-7390. doi: 10.3390/math12131987., Q1, IF=2.5
- Vlahek, Dino; Stošić, Tadej; Golob, Tamara; Kalc, Miloš; Ličen, Teja; Vogrin, Matjaz; Mongus, Domen. (2021). Method for Estimating Tensiomyography Parameters from Motion Capture Data. Informatica. 45. 213. 10.31449/inf.v45i2.3192., Q3, IF=0.3
- Europski patent: Mongus, Domen; Vlahek, Dino // EP4195161A1: An apparatus and a process for real-time monitoring of deformation of smart elastic textiles based on measurements of electromagnetic characteristics / 2024. Munich: European Patent Office, str. 36. google patents: https://patents.google.com/patent/EP4195161A1/en
Projects
WIBRANT – Wearable integrated smart brace for rehabilitation monitoring and diagnosis of disorders in muscular functions Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Navigation
b) Period: 01.10.2018. – 30.09.2021., Funding: €2,560,000
c) Funder: Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Slovenia (MESRS) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
d) Project role: Project employee/associate
ION – Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Navigation
b) Period: 01.10.2018. – 30.09.2021., Funding: €2,438,000
c) Funder: MIZS and ERDF
d) Project role: Project employee/collaborator
J3-4523 – Patient individualised management of endometrial cancer
b) Period: 01.10.2022. – 30.09.2025.
c) Financier: Public agency for scientific research and innovation activities of the Republic of Slovenia
d) Role on the project: Employment on the project/collaborator
N2-0181 – Generalized Symmetries and Equivalences of Geometric Data
b) Period: 01.03.2021. – 01.02.2024.
c) Financier: Public Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation Activity of the Republic of Slovenia and The Czech Science Foundation (GACR)
d) Role on the project: Employment on the project/collaborator
SAMPA – Spatiotemporal algorithms for Microclimatic Parameters Assessment
b) Period: 01.10.2023. – 30.09.2026.
c) Project role: Project employment/collaborator
d) Funder: Public Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia
e) Project role: Project employment/collaborator
Horizon EUROPE - Potentials of Agroecological practices in east africa with a focus on Circular water-energy-nutrient systems PRAECTICE
b) Funding: €6,985,277, Period: 01.11.2022. – 30.04.2026.
c) Project role: Project employment/collaborator
Data Infrastructure and Augmented Intelligence for Sustainable Development
a) Link: https://projects.foi.hr/projects/665
b) Period: TODO
c) Funder: National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021 - 2026 - Institutional Research Projects
d) Project role: Collaborator
PiPi: Data Infrastructure and Augmented Intelligence for Sustainable Development
a) Link: https://projects.foi.hr/projects/665
b) Period: TODO
c) Funder: National Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021 - 2026 - Institutional Research Projects
d) Project role: Collaborator
SAILeR - Streamlining AI in Learning Reimagination
a) Link: https://projects.foi.hr/projects/619
b) Period: 01.11.2025. - 31.10.2028.
c) Funder: Erasmus+
d) Project role: Associate
AIoT4Therapy - Research and development of an integrated AI-IoT solution for personalization of physical therapy and kinesitherapy Link: https://projects.foi.hr/projects/619
a) Period: 01.01.2025. - 31.12.2027.
b) Funder: European Regional Development Fund
c) Project role: FOI Team Leader