The Future of Cyber Security, Data and AI: Big Brother or a Brave New World?

Book tickets: https://www.sciencefestival.co.uk/event-details/the-future-of-cyber-security-data-and-ai

Do you remember when there were no computer science departments in universities, and we basically had computer support units? The people who worked there often had white coats — as they were seen as scientists in their secretive labs — and where a 10MB disk unit looked more like a washing machine:

But that all changed in the 1960s, and where computer units jumped out of their computer support functions, and where Computer Science was adopted as a proper subject area.

The University of Edinburgh was one of the first in the UK to undertake that jump, and has since developed a world-leading role in the development of computer science.

So who was Scotland’s first professor of Computer Science?

The great Sidney Michaelson.

As part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival 2019, I am so proud to be presenting the BCS Edinburgh Branch Sidney Michaelson Memorial Lecture.