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Mathematics formula on board- Image by Gerd Altmann from

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Hassan Ugail

Better known as Professor Hassan Ugail, he is a mathematician and a computer scientist.

Currently, Ugail is working as a Professor of Visual Computing at the School of Engineering and Informatics at the University of Bradford.

He is actually the first Maldivian to obtain a PhD in mathematics. He is also the first and to date the only Maldivian to receive a professorship in the field of Science.

1. Well known for his computer-based face analysis

image showing face and head tracking of Visage- Author; Abyssus-

Professor Ugail is well known for his work on computer-based human face analysis including, face recognition, face ageing, emotion analysis and lie detection.

For instance, in 2018, he used his face recognition tools to help unmask the two suspected Russian spies at the heart of the Salisbury Novichok poisoning case.

Then in 2020, he collaborated with BBC News investigators to uncover an alleged Nazi war criminal, who settled in the UK and could have worked for British intelligence during the Cold War.

Prof. Ugail’s principal research interests are in Visual Computing, particularly in the area of 3D geometric design, 3D imaging, computer-based simulations and machine learning.

He is a leader in the field of Visual Computing and has greatly contributed to the development of the field by successfully delivering a number of high-profile research and innovation projects, publications and international lectures.

He is also a member of the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) peer review college and also a peer reviewer for several related journals and conferences in his field of research.

2. His humble beginnings motivated him to work really hard

Humble shawl-weavers in Kashmir patiently creating wonderful harmonies of line and color, India- Source; Library of Congress-

Hassan Ugail was born in Hithadhoo, Maldives. He completed his primary education at Nooranee School in Hithadhoo.

In the 1960s, Hassan Ugail’s father, Ahmed Ugail, worked as a clerk at the British Royal Air Force base in Gan Island in the Maldives.

Hassan Ugail says that though his beginning was humble, he was academically much privileged from a young age because his father could speak English and had access to books of varied nature that his father was able to obtain from the British based in Gan Island.

Hassan Ugail was a top student and was considered to be bright. In 1992, he received the opportunity to continue his studies in the UK due to a British Council scholarship.

3. Attended King’s College London for his undergraduate studies

King’s College London, Strand Building- Author; Shadowssettle- Wikimedia

Ugail received a B.Sc. degree with First Class Honours in Mathematics in 1995 and a PGCE in 1996 both from King’s College London.

He was awarded his PhD by the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Leeds in the year 2000 for his research in geometric design.

He then worked as a post-doctoral research fellow at the Department of Applied Mathematics at the University of Leeds until September 2002.

4. Professor Hassan’s primary research interests are in simulation-based design

Graphic depiction of an agent-based simulation of an engineering design team- Author; Marc Ramsey and Paul Collopy-

Professor Ugail’s principal research interests are in geometric design, computer-based physical analysis, and machine learning, all of which fall into a broad area of research known as Simulation-Based Design and Machine Learning.

The focus of his research has been particularly upon a novel method for geometric design known as the PDE (partial differential equation) method developed at the University of Leeds.

The PDE method is based on a suitably chosen PDE that makes it possible to model complex shapes in an easy and predictable fashion.

Prof. Ugail also developed the method for boundary-based smooth surface design with Professor Monterde from the University of Valencia, Spain.

His work on computer-based human face analysis based on artificial intelligence and machine learning has introduced numerous novel methods which are being practically utilized in the area of biometrics as well for applications in healthcare.

5. His research has so many practical applications

Man in a biomedical lab- Author; UC Davis College of Engineering-

His research has many practical applications. These include building new application environments for complex interactive computer-aided design and computer animation, design analysis and optimisation for engineering and biomedical applications such as accurate computer modelling of shapes of biological membranes, the human heart and artificial limbs.

Other than that, his research using artificial intelligence and machine learning is applicable to biometric identification such as face recognition, non-invasive human emotion analysis, lie detection as well as medical image understanding for diagnostic purposes.

His methods for the representation of a three-dimensional object and for the storage and transmission of data representing a three-dimensional object; and his method for the time-dependent animation of a three-dimensional object are all protected under British and US patent laws, between 2008 and 2015.

6. Professor Ugail’s research work led to the establishment of a university spin-out company

Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on

Professor Hassan’s research in Visual Computing techniques has led to the establishment of a university spin-out company known as Tangentix Ltd. This is the company that looked at defining and manipulating complex digital data applied to develop computer games.

Tangentix subsequently launched GameSessions which enabled users to try or buy PC games online with ease.

Professor Ugail was the founder and CSO of Tangentix Ltd. It was a UK-based startup exploring the use of 3D graphics compression.

The company raised Series A and Series B funding, in 2013 and 2015 respectively, and was acquired by Toadman Interactive in 2019.

7. Has also won the most prestigious award from the University of Bradford

Bradford University- Author; Chemical Engineer-

In 2010 Professor Ugail won the most prestigious award from the University of Bradford. The award was the ‘Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence in Knowledge Transfer Award’.

8. He unveiled a new lie detector system in 2011 which is a step up from the traditional one

A lie detector system- Author; Marcin Wichary-

In September 2011, Prof Ugail unveiled a new lie detector system that uses two cameras and a computer to try to observe slight changes in facial expressions and facial temperature profile.

This new system he developed is a complete step change from the traditional polygraph lie detector, which requires the subject to be wired up to a range of physiological sensors.

This system is purely non-invasive and can be used in a covert situation, where the person being monitored potentially knows nothing about it.

9. Received Maldives Award for innovation

Innovation award- Author; Prins Autogas-

In 2011 Professor Ugail received the Maldives National Award for Innovation. He is the first and the only Maldivian to have received this award to date.

Prof. Ugail’s research work has been funded by a variety of sources. His research finding has been widely published in related international journals and conference proceedings.

10. Gives motivational talks and especially inspires Maldivians in the field of science

Photo by Product School on

Aside from his academic work as a university professor, Professor Ugail continues to inspire people, especially Maldivians, by giving motivational talks, running local television programmes on science and delivering science-related information in enthusiastic and engaging ways.

Additionally, Professor Ugail undertakes substantial philanthropic work of empowering people by delivering STEM knowledge through the Ugail Foundation, which has imparted coding, critical thinking and leadership skills to many thousands of kids and young people.