About this day
Computer Science in Action is the ultimate enrichment day for Key Stage 5 computer science students. In five lively sessions experts from academia and industry will explore relevant topics that complement the curriculum. These sessions will motivate students to excel and give them ideas about future careers. An additional talk on examination success will equip students with the tools to succeed, and each student will receive a revision guide to take home.
Programme & speakers
MENACE: the machine educable noughts and crosses engine Matthew Scroggs, University of Cambridge
Join Matt to discover the basics of machine learning, using MENACE — the machine educable noughts and crosses engine.
About Matthew Scroggs
When not working Matthew writes puzzles and articles for Chalkdust Magazine, including the infamous crossnumber, and reads Martin Gardner books.
Algorithms from 13th Century Venice Miranda Mowbray, University of Bristol
Travel back in time to explore the remarkable algorithm that was used for over 500 years to determine the ruler of Venice. Its underlying design principle turns out to have an application to modern computer science.
About Miranda Mowbray
Miranda formerly worked as a research scientist for HP, finding new ways of analyzing data to detect attacks on computer networks. Her PhD is in Algebra, from London University.
Logic Mark Jago, Nottingham University
What is logic and what is it good for? Mark will start from a problem in logic and mathematics, show how Alan Turing set out to solve it, and how he inadvertently invented the modern computer.
About Mark Jago
Mark Jago, Professor of Philosophy at Nottingham University, works on metaphysics, the mind, knowledge, language, logic, and social issues. He explains how to think about impossible things.
Computer Science - not for girls? Alexandra Cristea, University of Durham
The story of how, in a very short amount of time, a dedicated team from Durham, together with 3 other university partners and 15 industry partners helped support 100 women from diverse backgrounds in taking the plunge into technology careers.
About Alexandra Cristea
Professor A.I. Cristea, Head of Innovative Computing at Durham University, researches the fringe where AI meets human variation and is a strong supporter of women in Computer Science.
Robots that work together Amanda Prorok, Prorok Lab
What happens when robots work together to achieve complex tasks, and how do we program our robots to work together efficiently? Explore how new algorithms for coordination can help us solve some pressing problems in transport and logistics.
About Amanda Prorok
Amanda Prorok is an Assistant Professor at Cambridge University, and a Fellow of Pembroke College. Her research lab designs algorithms for coordinating systems composed of multiple autonomous robots.