This research focuses on designing and developing analytical systems tailored to diverse application domains. We combine data and process modeling methods with information visualization and visual analytics techniques to create software applications that place domain experts at the center of the interactive analytical loop.
Our activities cover the following application domains:
- Forensic Analysis of 3D Facial Scans
- Learning Analytics in Cybersecurity
- Financial Data and Simulations
- Sociological Data
Forensic Analysis of 3D Facial Scans
This research follows up on the former FIDENTIS project. In cooperation with the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, we aim to develop efficient methods enabling anthropologists to investigate the morphology of human faces. We put emphasis on precision, explainability, and employing human-in-the-loop analytical methods, as the analytical goals are often related to forensic investigation.
Research Team
- Radek Ošlejšek - primary investigator at FI MU
- Petra Urbanová - anthropologist, domain expert from the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science MU
- Many undergraduate students - developers of the software
Data
Learning Analytics in Cybersecurity
A long-term research focusing on learning analytics in hands-on cybersecurity training and digital forensics.
As operational networks are not suitable for building and studying knowledge of cyber threats and training responses to them, we have developed the KYPO Cyber Range Platform - the first open-source virtual environment where hands-on cybersecurity training can be organized. From the very beginning, we put emphasis on user experience, user-centered design of user interfaces, and the support of learning and visual analytics. Data collected from training sessions are analyzed in order to continuously improve the quality of training sessions and increase the impact on the trainees. Our research aims to provide visual situational awareness, insight into the abstract cybersecurity processes and threats, storytelling, and advanced analytical tools. This research is conducted in close cooperation with CSIRT team (Computer Security Incident Response Team) of Masaryk University.
The CSIRT team is also responsible for the investigation of suspicious computers connected to the university network. Together with them, we develop advanced exploratory techniques to support the forensic investigation of real incidents.
Research Team
- Lasaris members: Radek Ošlejšek,Karolína Dočkalová Burská, Daniel Tovarňák, Dalibor Toth, Zdeněk Eichler
- Cybersecurity experts from the Cybersurity Lab and CSIRT MU.
Data
- Characteristics: Event logs, i.e., time- and process-oriented data
- Datasets:
Financial Data and Simulations
The analysis focuses on financial data and modeling the economic impact on user behavior.
For instance, in collaboration with InQool company, we aim to develop the first Czech solution for the digital transformation of investment fund structures reflecting the EU strategy. The application should enable interoperability between supervisory authorities such as the Financial Analytical Unit, the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic, and central banks. We utilize principles of asset tokenization on a regulated EBSI blockchain with the possibility of subsequent process analysis.
Research Team
- Lasaris members: Radek Ošlejšek, Martin Macák, Laura Drblíková, Tomáš Režňák.
- Digitization of fund structures: Domain experts and developers from InQool
Data
- Characteristics: Process-oriented data, time series.
These research activities focus on developing a mobile application for children whose parents are in prison. The aim is to reduce children's social isolation and stigmatization, strengthen their trust in institutions, support their social inclusion, and increase their awareness of available assistance. To achieve this goal, we collect and analyze related anonymous sociological data.
This research is highly multidisciplinary, involving sociologists from the Faculty of Social Studies at Masaryk University, a psychologist, an expert on children's rights and justice, and graphic designers. The application guarantor is the Prison Service of the Czech Republic.
Research Team
- Lasaris members: Radek Ošlejšek, Radek Paulík (programmer)
- Design: Studio of Graphic Design and Multimedia, namely Helena Lukášová and Jana Malíková
- Sociologists from the Faculty of Social Studies, led by Jitka Navrátilová.