Vincenzo Riccio

Vincenzo Riccio serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Udine, Italy, following a postdoctoral position at the Software Institute of Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) in Lugano, Switzerland. His academic career centers on bridging software engineering with artificial intelligence through rigorous testing methodologies for machine learning systems.

He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II” in 2019, establishing the foundation for his specialized research in AI validation. His educational trajectory reflects deep technical expertise in both theoretical and applied aspects of software engineering.

Riccio's research focuses intensely on test automation for machine learning-based applications, particularly deep learning systems. He investigates critical challenges including test input generation, fault detection in neural networks, and reliability validation for safety-critical domains like autonomous driving. His approach combines search-based techniques, mutation analysis, and empirical studies to develop practical testing frameworks that address the 'oracle problem' and input validity issues inherent in AI systems.

Analysis of his 11 publications from 2020-2025 reveals a progressive research trajectory: starting with foundational work on behavioral exploration (2020), advancing to specialized tools like DeepHyperion and DeepMetis (2021), and maturing into domain-specific applications for autonomous vehicles (2022-2024) and generative AI testing (2025). His work consistently targets real-world applicability through empirical validation and tool development.

He actively contributes to the academic ecosystem as a member of the EMSE journal's editorial board and as a reviewer for premier venues including ICSE, ASE, and ISSTA. His community leadership extends to organizing workshops such as DeepTest and SBFT, where he chairs sessions and coordinates tool competitions to advance the field of AI testing.