Name: Graham Martin

Job title: Professor

Department: Computer Science

Number of years at Warwick: 40

There’s no such thing as a typical day, but, in brief, my job involves...

all aspects of teaching and learning. I first joined Warwick in 1977 as a post-doctoral research fellow in the Computer Science (CS) Mobile Robotics Research Group and can fondly remember demonstrating the Group’s work on BBC Tomorrow’s World. The television programme was broadcast live, which resulted in a number of interesting challenges.

A year later, I took up a lectureship in the School of Engineering with responsibilities for the newly introduced Computer Systems Engineering degree course, only to return to Computer Science in 1979 where I have remained ever since. The management and development of teaching has been a major part of my career, and I have experienced most teaching-related roles, including the positions of Course Manager, Director of Studies, and Deputy Head of Department (Teaching).

My most memorable moment at Warwick has been...

One memorable moment was the visit to Warwick by US President Bill Clinton and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, in 2000. Computer Science had recently moved to its current home from the small two-storey building now known as Physical Sciences. The new Computer Science building was the only construction in Academic Square, then a green field site still used as a sports field. The US President’s fleet of helicopters landed on the field immediately in front of the Department, which was exciting. I was also privileged to attend Clinton and Blair’s presentation in the Butterworth Hall.

In my time at Warwick, the biggest change I’ve seen is...

One of the biggest changes has been the growth of the University in terms of the number of students and staff, and the number of buildings. In 1979 Computer Science comprised 12 academic staff and had an undergraduate intake of approximately 30. The other change has been the development of Computer Science as a subject. The last 40 years has been a fascinating period, and it is probably true to say that no other technological field has developed at such a pace. In 1977, the University’s main computing resource was a Burroughs 6700 mainframe computer housed in a large air-conditioned room and operated by a team of IT staff. Now everyone has not just one but a number of personal computers, in the form of laptops, tablets, mobile phones and other devices. The slight downside to these advances however is that, teaching computer system design, data communications and networking, it has been necessary to change the content of modules on an annual basis.

At the moment I'm really enjoying working on...

I shall be retiring at the end of this month, however I am looking forward to continuing to do some teaching and to make further contributions to my research field of video compression and image communication.

I've only just realised that...

the new Sports Hub is a gigantic building. I’m really looking forward to viewing and using the new facilities.

Warwick’s unique because...

it has always been open to new ideas and supportive of new initiatives.

The best thing about working at Warwick is...

my great colleagues, conscientious students genuinely interested in computer science, and a lovely campus.

If I could change one thing at the University, it would be...

to reduce the congestion on Gibbet Hill Road and surrounding routes during peak times.

My favourite place on campus is...

the woodland paths, lakes and green spaces by Tocil and Gibbet Hill Woods. They are so peaceful, and yet only a few minutes walk from anywhere on main campus.

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