After a worldwide search, Ahmed Louri, the David and Marilyn Kaarlgard Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of the peer-reviewed journal IEEE Transactions on Sustainable Computing (TSUSC), effective January 1. In this role, he will lead the global conversation on sustainable computing at a time when its importance has never been greatc
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence, driven by large language models like ChatGPT, requires unprecedented computing power. This insatiable demand for computation translates into equally vast energy consumption, as the data centers powering these models are predicted to use up to 9% of the total electricity generated in the United States by 2030. “This is just the tip of the iceberg,” says Louri.
In computing, sustainability includes energy efficiency, carbon footprint, natural resource preservation, and using multiple energy sources in devices and infrastructure. TSUSC features contributions that address these challenges in computing and information processing environments and technologies. In September 2023, the IEEE Computer Society (CS) called for new leadership to steer the journal into its next phase of growth and impact.
Louri, who has been a key contributor to the journal as an Associate Editor since 2018, stood out among applicants for his extensive leadership experience in IEEE CS, technical expertise, and dedication to advancing sustainability across all levels of the computational process. As Editor-in-Chief, he will provide TSUSC with a clear vision, lead a diverse editorial board, solicit and publish novel, high-quality manuscripts, and oversee the journal's overall operation.
“My vision for the journal is to really grow sustainable computing and make it a number one priority so people pay attention to energy efficiency from every angle, from algorithm design and device fabrication to operational processes,” Louri said.
Louri’s leadership at TSUSC not only brings significant visibility to GW Engineering but also complements his broader efforts within the university, where sustainability has become a central focus. As a member of GW's Alliance for a Sustainable Future, a university-wide initiative that fosters interdisciplinary research for a healthier world, he ensures that sustainable computing is also a top priority at GW.
The National Science Foundation recognized Louri’s efforts in 2023, awarding him $3.8 million to support his cutting-edge research in designing next-generation computing architectures. His NSF-funded work focuses on reducing embedded carbon emissions by revising design processes to limit environmental impact and minimizing operational emissions by creating systems that remain energy-efficient throughout their lifecycle. In one project, he is adapting the three universally accepted tenets of sustainability: reuse, reduce, and recycle.
With this rich background and clear vision for the journal’s future, Louri is well-positioned to lead TSUSC in advancing sustainable computing. Reflecting on this milestone, he shared, “Serving as an Associate Editor, I’ve watched the journal grow dramatically in submissions. I’m privileged and honored to now lead this effort as Editor-in-Chief.”