Think Computer Science 2012
Location: Imperial War Museum Duxford
What is Computer Science?
Professor Christopher Bishop
Distinguished Scientist, Microsoft Research Cambridge
We all use computing technology every day in the form of mobile phones, personal computers, games consoles, and a myriad of other devices. Often we take this technology for granted, but its existence depends on a wide range of elegant and sophisticated concepts. In this talk, Professor Chris Bishop explores the amazing world of computer science, showing how computers can learn to be intelligent, and revealing some extraordinary and surprising connections between computer science and molecular biology.
The Path from Difficult Struggles to Lucrative Research
Heidy Khlaaf
Research Intern, Microsoft Research Cambridge
Heidy Khlaaf is a soon to be graduate student pursuing a research career in Computer Science. In this talk she will address various hardships that students face when transitioning from high school to University. Issues pertaining to financial distress, interpersonal relations, emotional and mental health could negatively affect many without the proper guidance. She will discuss her tenacity and experiences in overcoming these obstacles to study, specialise, and eventually succeed in her pursuit of computer science research.
Designing for a Radical Control Method
Nick Adams
Design Manager, Blitz Game Studios
This talk will discuss how new and non-conventional control methods are challenging game designers and programmers and putting the player experience absolutely at the centre of developing a game. Drawing on Blitz’s deep experience of creating content for the Kinect and other motion control systems, Nick Adams will illustrate his talk with in-development content from one of our best-received recent games, Puss In Boots.
Computer Science in Visual Effects
Gavin Graham
Head of 3D, Double Negative Visual Effects
Visual Effects is a dynamic field; practitioners are expected to push both custom and off-the-shelf software in ever expanding ways to deliver incredible blockbuster effects. Double Negative have been responsible for VFX in such movies as Skyfall, The Dark Knight Rises, the Harry Potter series, John Carter, Captain America, and Inception. In this presentation, you will be shown some state of the art work from recent movies, and the link that Computer Science provides between technology and creativity. Typically, Computer Science graduates will work in the in-house R&D department to create cutting edge tools. Usually, those with more practical knowledge of vfx software will contribute directly to shots on the movie – but you will learn how their computer science skills can regularly be used to save the day!