A word from...

Andy Parkinson, Head of Press

Today marks what would have been Alan Turing’s 104th birthday and so it seems only fitting that our newsletter should focus on the ESOF programme theme which bears his name: Turing's Legacy - Data and the Human Brain. This theme explores big questions about data, artificial intelligence and the interface between humans and machines as well as exploring the nature of the brain and our ability to simulate it.

Of course, Turing is hugely significant in terms of Manchester’s scientific heritage. In 1948, after the Second World War, he came to Manchester as Reader in the Mathematics Department then as Deputy Director of the Computing Laboratory at The University of Manchester. Here he worked on software for one of the earliest iterations of the computer – the Manchester Ferranti Mark 1 – and conducted his probing work into artificial intelligence, asking the famous question: ‘Can machines think?’

We look forward to addressing this question and many more at ESOF next month.

From Turing to the Big Data deluge

The deluge of data brought by experiments, whether in physics, biology or astronomy is pushing us to think of innovative ways to transport, process, distribute and store information.

On Tuesday 26 July an expert panel of speakers from leading telecom and communications companies, including Cisco and Amazon will come together to discuss how ‘big data’ and high-performance computing for big science is driving a revolution and fostering links with industry, creating jobs and generating growth globally.

So what direct benefits will big data bring to society over the next decade?

Building Brains: bio-inspired computing

In 1950 Alan Turing postulated, "Can machines think?" from this simple question he went on to explore it through what he calls "The Imitation Game", but which subsequent generations simply call "The Turing Test".

In this session international experts, including Professor Steve Furber, ICL Professor of Computer Engineering at The University of Manchester, will describe how they see the state-of-the-art in building machines aimed at accelerating our understanding of brain function, and discuss with the audience prospects for future progress in this exciting scientific endeavour.

This session is part of our topical session series. Read more about this series here.

Hotels going fast...

With our partners around the city we have managed to secure fantastic discounted rates in a range of hotels, from luxury five-star accommodation right through to budget self-catering. But, these rooms are going fast and the discounted rates can only be guaranteed until this Friday!

To book your hotel room please complete the accommodation section of the registration form here. Please note that immediate payment is needed to secure your hotel reservation.

Should you be unable to book your accommodation by Friday the ESOF Team are very happy to assist you where we can after this date but prices may vary and rooms at your chosen hotel cannot be guaranteed. If you have any questions or would like to book your accommodation after the 24 June, please do contact us at esof2016@conferencepartners.com or on +44 (0)161 209 3355.

Pi with the Prof

Last week we announced the launch of Pi with the Prof at ESOF. Pi with the Prof is an exciting opportunity for early career researchers to sit down with an eminent professor or industry leading professional to discuss everything from their specialist subject, careers to the everyday goings on in science.

There are over 20 professors participating in the event including Professor Brian Cox, Sir Venki Ramakrishnan and David Shukman of the BBC.

If you would like to sit down and share the best of Northern food with a 'Prof' then make sure you register for your sessions of interest through our website before 8 July.

We recommend registering for the three sessions you would most like to attend however, oversubscribed sessions may be subject to a ballot to ensure fairness.

Image: Ruocaled via Flickr

2016 Fred Jevons Science Policy Lecture

The Rt. Hon the Lord Willetts, Executive Director of the Resolution Foundation, and Former Minister for Universities and Science will deliver the 2016 Fred Jevons Science Policy Lecture on Monday 25 July 2016. The lecture, 'Science, technology and industrial strategy: What government can and cannot do', will discuss government support for science, and the framing of an effective industrial strategy. Hosted by the University of Manchester's Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine and Manchester Institute of Innovation Research, the session will be followed by afternoon tea. The event is free, but registration is required.

Manchester Town Hall. Register.

Question time at the EIROforum

In our topical session with the EIROforum, delegates are invited to pose their questions to the expert panel made up of directors from CERN, EMBL and ESO which includes the likes of Dr Fabiola Gianotti the Director-General of CERN and Pallab Ghosh of the BBC.

The session will explore the power of cross-border research in Europe through the alliance that is the EIROforum. It brings together the resources, facilities and expertise of its members to help European science reach its full potential.

You can submit your questions through social media by tweeting @ESOF2016 or by replying to this email with #ESOF_QA.