
Carl Debono
Professor
University of Malta
Data & AI Track


Session Outline:
Beyond the Prompt: Where Are Large Language Models Taking Us?
Large Language Models have moved rapidly from research labs into everyday tools, changing how we create, search, learn, code and interact with technology. But beneath their impressive capabilities are important questions about how these models actually work, where their limitations lie, and what the next generation of language models might look like.
Moderated by Bernard Montebello, Head of Malta’s European Digital Innovation Hub at the MDIA, the panel brings together Prof. John Abela, Prof. Carl James Debono and Dr Sandro Spina from the University of Malta. Drawing on expertise spanning AI, machine learning, computer science, computer vision and advanced computing, they will explore the evolution and future of LLMs. The discussion will consider whether continued increases in model size and computing power will keep delivering meaningful improvements, the potential of alternative architectures and specialised models, and key questions around reasoning, reliability and efficiency, separating genuine technological progress from hype.
About Carl
Carl James Debono received the B.Eng. degree (Hons.) in electrical engineering from the University of Malta, Malta, in 1997, and the Ph.D. degree in electronics and computer engineering from the University of Pavia, Italy, in 2000. From 1997 to 2001, he was a Research Engineer in the area of Integrated Circuit Design at the University of Malta. In 2001, he was appointed Lecturer with the Department of Communications and Computer Engineering, University of Malta, where he is currently a Professor.
Prof Debono currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, University of Malta. Prof. Debono has participated in a number of local and European research projects in the area of communication systems and image/video processing. His research interests include multiview video coding, resilient multimedia transmission, and computer vision.