Google it: ��ϲʹ��’s CSEE Annual talk and dinner aims for the future

The School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) held its annual lecture and dinner on the 15th of March 2023. Paul Kinlan (Google) was the speaker for this year, with his talk “Aiming for the Future”.��

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The 2023 annual lecture and dinner

The School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) held its annual lecture and dinner on Wednesday the 15th of March 2023. , from Google, was the speaker this year. Paul is the lead for the Chrome Developer Relations team at Google. He has built his career at the intersection of the web, the developer ecosystem and building effective teams. He has focused on developing solutions that push the pinnacle of what is possible with the web. He titled his talk “Aiming for the Future”. In his talk he highlighted several significant, and past developments, in computer science, and discussed the future.��

Professor Jonathan C. Roberts (Director of Impact and Engagement) said “The evening started off with tea, coffee, and cake. It was great to catch up with previous students, alumni, and local companies."

The hall for the talk was packed, and there was a real buzz of excitement. Paul did not disappoint! Starting off by talking about the early computers such as the Difference Engine and discussing the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Mr David Crawford, Chairman Wales North of the Institution of Engineering and Technology () ended the annual talk with a vote of thanks to Paul.��

Talk by Paul Kinlan (Google)

"Aiming for the future"

The annual dinner and after-dinner talks

After the talk, the annual dinner was held. The Vice Chancellor (Professor Edmund Burke) gave a warm welcome to everyone. Dr Dave Perkins said “It was a delight to welcome alumni, visitors, friends, and local companies."

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We had a bit of an excitement at the start of the dinner, as the fire alarm went off. Possibly the catering team burnt the meal, was the joke, as we all stood outside in the dark. But the meal was not burnt. It was excellent. Well done the catering team!”.��

Dave went on to say

In the school, and on the night, I have had many conversations about Artificial Intelligence solutions, such as ChatGPT, Bard AI, and other web tools. And it was good to hear Paul’s talk – and his take on AI. It was very inspiring. We were honoured also to welcome the Vice Chancellor Professor Edmund Burke and Chancellor Professor Sir Robin Williams, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Oliver Turnbull, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research): Professor Paul Spencer, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) Professor Paul van Gardingen FRSA, and Chief People Officer: Mrs Tracy Hibbert.

Outside, waiting for the fire alarm to stop

After-dinner talks

After the meal, three short after-dinner talks were given: Dr Franck Vidal (acting Director of Research for the school) spoke on success in research in the Nuclear Futures Institute, (DSP) and computer science especially the Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Advanced Computing () doctoral centre. Professor Jonathan Roberts (Director of Impact and Engagement) spoke about successes in impact, and connections and research collaborations across the world, I, partnering with the – campaign, school visits, and best paper awards. Finally, Dr Dave Perkins (Director of Teaching and Learning) ended the evening, and talked about developments in teaching, especially the new BSc Engineering programme, Digital Ocean MSc, and computing for Climate Science.��