Prof. Souhail Dhouib is widely recognised as one of the most influential global researchers in Artificial Intelligence and Operations Research. His journey began in Sfax, Tunisia, where his natural inclination for analytical thinking and problem solving shaped his early academic interests. From a young age, he was fascinated by the idea that complex real-world challenges could be modelled, understood, and improved through mathematical reasoning. This passion grew steadily and guided him through his university studies in Management Information Systems, followed by advanced training in Operations Research and Production Management.
His intellectual curiosity deepened during his doctoral studies in Quantitative Methods at the University of Sfax, where he specialised in Artificial Intelligence,Operations Research, Optimisation, Data Analytics, Decision Science, and Logistics. These formative years built the foundation for a career dedicated to understanding and improving decision making systems at both theoretical and applied levels.
A defining turning point
A significant turning point in Prof. Dhouib’s life came when he recognised that existing optimisation techniques did not meet the demands of the rapidly increasing complexity of industrial and technological systems. Rather than accept these limitations, he chose to rethink the way optimisation problems could be approached. This decision initiated the development of what would become the Dhouib Matrix family of artificial intelligence optimisation algorithms.
Innovation begins when you see limitations not as barriers but as invitations to rethink everything.
-Souhail Dhouib
Research focus and why it matters
Prof. Dhouib’s research focuses on complex decision-making and planning problems. His work spans autonomous mobile robotics, computer numerical control machines, combinatorial optimisation, logistics, manufacturing systems, and business intelligence. He is best known for inventing the Dhouib Matrix (DM), a family of fast and powerful optimisation methods that include DM-SPP, DM-ALL-SPP, DM3, DM4, DM-MSTP, DM-AP2, and several others. These methods enable rapid path planning for robots, efficient network optimisation, and robust solutions to real-world industrial challenges.
His research matters because efficient decision-making algorithms power modern industries and technologies. Autonomous mobile robots and computer numerical control machines depend on reliable and fast trajectory planning, supply chains rely on optimised routing, and large organisations require sophisticated decision intelligence to operate effectively. Prof. Dhouib’s contributions have developed practical tools that enhance performance, alleviate computational burdens, and enable new technological capabilities.
Challenges and hurdles faced
Throughout his scientific path, Prof. Dhouib has navigated challenges that shaped his resilience. Balancing more than twenty years of industrial experience with academic research demanded discipline, adaptability, and perseverance. Developing global recognition for research produced outside traditional centres of science required determination and sustained excellence. His journey demonstrates that impactful innovation can arise from anywhere in the world when driven by a clear purpose and a commitment to high standards.
Key milestones and achievements
Prof. Dhouib’s milestones are numerous and significant. He is listed among the World’s Top Two Percent Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier and ranked globally in several disciplines by ScholarGPS. His invention of the Dhouib Matrix has influenced the fields of robotics, industrial optimisation, and computational intelligence. He has published extensively in high-quality journals and has delivered keynote lectures across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
Prof. Dhouib will serve as Conference Co-Chair for the 3rd International Summit on Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning 2026, scheduled to take place from April 20 to 22 in Frankfurt, Germany. In addition, he will serve as a plenary speaker for several international conferences, such as (i) the World AI & Robotics Conference, June 08-10, Chicago, USA, and (ii) the International Conference on Robotics, AI and Machine Learning 2026, November 18-20, Osaka, Japan. These roles reflect his position as a leading voice in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence research.
He has also served as an expert evaluator for the European Science Foundation and European Cooperation in Science and Technology, and holds active roles in the Frontiers Planet Prize and African Planet Prize initiatives. He is the founder of two companies specialised in the field of development of business software and a former Vice President at the research association, namely Tunisian Operations Research Society (TORS).
Advice to younger researchers
Prof. Dhouib encourages emerging researchers to stay committed to their curiosity and to approach complexity with an open and disciplined mind. He frequently shares the message, “Believe in yourself, but also believe in the discipline that teaches you to question, test, refine, and grow.”
He advises younger scientists to embrace patience, methodological rigour, and the courage to explore ideas that challenge convention.
Hopes and vision for the future
Looking ahead, Prof. Dhouib aspires to advance the next generation of optimisation frameworks, expand research on intelligent robotics, and contribute to sustainable logistics systems. His vision encompasses the development of decision-making tools that facilitate the safe, efficient, and ethical integration of artificial intelligence into society. He hopes to guide future scholars and continue building bridges between academic theory and industrial application.
Beyond his scientific work, Prof. Dhouib values balance, creativity, and community. He enjoys classical Arabic music, films, football, table tennis, swimming and chess. These interests provide a grounding counterpoint to his analytical work, reminding him of the richness of life beyond the world of research. They also provide moments of reflection that stimulate clarity and new ideas.
Prof. Souhail Dhouib’s story is one of resilience, intellectual courage, and a deep commitment to improving systems that shape daily life. His journey continues to inspire students, colleagues, and the international scientific community, marking him as a visionary figure in artificial intelligence and optimisation.
Reference
Dhouib S. (2025). An AI Breakthrough Reshapes Robot Navigation https://thesciencematters.org/an-ai-breakthrough-reshapes-robot-navigation/
