Applied Computing News
Warwick mathematician awarded prestigious mathematics award
We offer our warmest congratulations to Professor Martin Hairer, Regius Professor of Mathematics in Warwick’s Mathematics Institute, who has has been awarded the Fields Medal, the world’s most prestigious mathematics award, for his "Outstanding contributions to the theory of stochastic partial differential equations, and in particular for the creation of a theory of regularity structures for such equations."
The Fields Medal is awarded every four years on the occasion of the International Congress of Mathematicians to recognize outstanding mathematical achievement for existing work and for the promise of future achievement. The Medal is internationally regarded as the world’s most prestigious award in the field of mathematics.
Department of Computer Science Launches MOOC to Support Computing Teachers
The Deparment of Computer Science has launched a free online Computer Sciences course to assist teachers delivering new computing curricula. The MOOC – a Massively Open Online Course – will allow teachers to support the ongoing drive to enable school children to be active creators of computing technology rather than passive users of technology.
The course has received funding from Google and is aimed at teachers working with UK Key stages three and four. Building on material developed through Warwick’s existing work with school teachers across the UK, the MOOC will cover fundamental computing concepts and computational thinking, the Python programming language as well as the development of teaching resources.
As well as independent study, the MOOC will offer a community forum to share experiences and resources and expert real-time support on the course content.
Further information on how the Department of Computer Science is engaging with UK schools, including details of the new MOOC, can be found at http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/dcs/schools/.
Computer Science Support for BCS Teacher's Conference
Academics in the Department of Computer Science recently contributed to the success of the BCS Coventry Computing and ICT Teacher's Conference. The event, organised by Computing at School (CAS), focused on the future of Computer Science education in UK schools and how universities can support schools in delivering effective taught programmes.
Matthew Leeke, Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science, delivered a characteristically animated opening keynote. With reference to ongoing research, Matt described a number of key challenges that motivate the development of smart cities, relating these to the changing landscape of Computer Science and ICT in the UK. Matt was also a member of a panel session for teachers and education professionals, focusing on issues such as industrial engagement and inclusiveness in Computer Science.
Claire Rocks, Teaching and Outreach Fellow in the Department of Computer Science, later facilitated a specialist workshop on robotics and a speed networking event that brought together educators and industrials. These sessions complemented a sensor-focused workshop provided by Margaret Low, Principal Teaching Fellow in the Warwick Manufacturing Group, to demonstrate the commitment of universities in the West Midlands enriching UK Computer Science and ICT curricula.