Past Events
On this page you will find reports of Bridging the Gaps events that have taken place, reports on collaborations that have been nurtured and reports showing how the project is running.
11th & 12th May 2009
Bristol Algorithms Days '09
Department of Computer Science, University Of Bristol
The third annual Bristol Algorithms Days (BAD'09) was held at the Department of Computer Science, University of Bristol, in Bristol, May 11-12 2009. The aim of BAD'09 was to gather researchers and students interested in the study of theoretical and practical aspects of algorithms. Information about BAD'09 can be found here.
The third annual Bristol Algorithms Days (BAD'09) was held at the Department of Computer Science, University of Bristol, in Bristol, May 11-12 2009. The aim of BAD'09 was to gather researchers and students interested in the study of theoretical and practical aspects of algorithms. Information about BAD'09 can be found here.
2nd April 2009
Integrated Uncertainty Modelling for Decision Making
Avon Gorge Hotel
Multiple attribute decision making requires the aggregation of diverse sources of evidence so as to obtain qualitative or quantitative information concerning high-level outcomes or actions. The modelling of uncertainty is central to any such formal decision making process. However, the sources of uncertainty in complex decision problems are many and varied. In addition to probabilistic factors such as measurement error and other random effects, the decision making process often requires us to make qualitative and subjective judgements that cannot easily be translated into precise probability values. Such judgements give rise to a number of different sources of uncertainty including; fuzziness if they are based on linguistic information; epistemic uncertainty when their reliability is in question; ignorance when they are insufficient to identify or restrict key parameters; imprecision when parameters and probability distributions can only be estimated within uncertainty bounds.
This workshop brought together researchers and practitioners with expertise in a wide range of methodologies for uncertainty modelling, with the aim of exploring how different types and sources of uncertainty can be integrated into a coherent framework in order to improve decision making. Areas of interest included; Bayesian statistics, Dempster-Shafer theory, imprecise probability theory, random set theory, rough set theory, fuzzy set theory and interval methods.
Further information is available on the web site: http://bridgingthegaps.bris.ac.uk/events/uncertainty/
Multiple attribute decision making requires the aggregation of diverse sources of evidence so as to obtain qualitative or quantitative information concerning high-level outcomes or actions. The modelling of uncertainty is central to any such formal decision making process. However, the sources of uncertainty in complex decision problems are many and varied. In addition to probabilistic factors such as measurement error and other random effects, the decision making process often requires us to make qualitative and subjective judgements that cannot easily be translated into precise probability values. Such judgements give rise to a number of different sources of uncertainty including; fuzziness if they are based on linguistic information; epistemic uncertainty when their reliability is in question; ignorance when they are insufficient to identify or restrict key parameters; imprecision when parameters and probability distributions can only be estimated within uncertainty bounds.
This workshop brought together researchers and practitioners with expertise in a wide range of methodologies for uncertainty modelling, with the aim of exploring how different types and sources of uncertainty can be integrated into a coherent framework in order to improve decision making. Areas of interest included; Bayesian statistics, Dempster-Shafer theory, imprecise probability theory, random set theory, rough set theory, fuzzy set theory and interval methods.
Further information is available on the web site: http://bridgingthegaps.bris.ac.uk/events/uncertainty/
March 23rd - 27th 2009
Biomechanics of Growth in Plant Biology
University Of Bristol
A three-day meeting promoting interactions between experimental researchers and modellers from life science, engineering, computer science and mathematical backgrounds, with a focus on the biomechanics of plant growth.
A two-day advanced training course or workshop was ran prior to the meeting, and provided a graduate-level introduction to plant biology, and to relevant modelling approaches. The aim of the course was to provide advanced training in the biomechanics of plant growth, and to promote effective communication between disciplines. A range of top international speakers gave short courses in their areas of expertise. Topics ranged from possible applications, to fundamental plant science and mathematics. The workshop was very interdisciplinary, suiting participants from life science, engineering, computer science and mathematical backgrounds.
Further information is available on the web site: http://bridgingthegaps.bris.ac.uk/events/biomech/
A three-day meeting promoting interactions between experimental researchers and modellers from life science, engineering, computer science and mathematical backgrounds, with a focus on the biomechanics of plant growth.
A two-day advanced training course or workshop was ran prior to the meeting, and provided a graduate-level introduction to plant biology, and to relevant modelling approaches. The aim of the course was to provide advanced training in the biomechanics of plant growth, and to promote effective communication between disciplines. A range of top international speakers gave short courses in their areas of expertise. Topics ranged from possible applications, to fundamental plant science and mathematics. The workshop was very interdisciplinary, suiting participants from life science, engineering, computer science and mathematical backgrounds.
Further information is available on the web site: http://bridgingthegaps.bris.ac.uk/events/biomech/
July 6th - 8th 2008
Probabilistic Techniques in Computer Science Summer School
University Of Bristol
This one-week summer school will provide a unique opportunity for postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers to receive instruction in probabilistic methods in modern theoretical computer science and the mathematics underlying these methods. Speakers include Dr Muthu Muthukrishnan (Google), Dr Graham Cormode (AT&T Labs), Prof. Joseph Naor (Technion), Dr Eyal Kushilevitz (Technion), Prof. Andreas Winter (Bristol) and Dr Ayalvadi Ganesh (Bristol). Registration will open on 10 February and close on 14 March. Further information is available on the web site: www.cs.bris.ac.uk/probtcs08
This one-week summer school will provide a unique opportunity for postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers to receive instruction in probabilistic methods in modern theoretical computer science and the mathematics underlying these methods. Speakers include Dr Muthu Muthukrishnan (Google), Dr Graham Cormode (AT&T Labs), Prof. Joseph Naor (Technion), Dr Eyal Kushilevitz (Technion), Prof. Andreas Winter (Bristol) and Dr Ayalvadi Ganesh (Bristol). Registration will open on 10 February and close on 14 March. Further information is available on the web site: www.cs.bris.ac.uk/probtcs08
June 18th - 20th 2008
Cracks, Fractures and Faults in the Earth
Avon Gorge Hotel, Clifton, Bristol
This meeting will bring together leading researchers from diverse backgrounds including Earth Sciences, Engineering, Material Sciences and Mathematics, who have contributions to make in understanding the properties and behaviour of fractured materials at length scales ranging from the laboratory to the tectonic setting. The overall theme of this meeting is on scale effects and their role in the behaviour of fractured geological (e.g., rock and ice) materials. Confirmed speakers include Professor James Rice (Harvard University), Professor Richard Craster (Imperial College, London), Dr Colin Sayers (Schlumberger Houston) and Professor Alan Cocks (University of Oxford). The workshop is open to academic staff and post doctoral researchers from the University of Bristol. Further details of the workshop are on this flier.
Presentations from the meeting:
This meeting will bring together leading researchers from diverse backgrounds including Earth Sciences, Engineering, Material Sciences and Mathematics, who have contributions to make in understanding the properties and behaviour of fractured materials at length scales ranging from the laboratory to the tectonic setting. The overall theme of this meeting is on scale effects and their role in the behaviour of fractured geological (e.g., rock and ice) materials. Confirmed speakers include Professor James Rice (Harvard University), Professor Richard Craster (Imperial College, London), Dr Colin Sayers (Schlumberger Houston) and Professor Alan Cocks (University of Oxford). The workshop is open to academic staff and post doctoral researchers from the University of Bristol. Further details of the workshop are on this flier.
Presentations from the meeting:
June 9th & 10th 2008
Random Matrix Theory
University of Bristol
We are delighted to announce that Sergio Verdú and Antonia Tulino will give a series of four lectures on Information Theory and Communications, and on applications of Random Matrix Theory in these areas at the University of Bristol on the 9th and 10th June.
Sergio Verdú is a world-leading expert in Random Matrix Theory. His research interests are in Information Theory, Data Compression and Transmission, and Signal Processing. He and Antonia Tulino are particularly renowned for their applications of random matrix theory to information theory and communications. The programme for their visit is still being planned, and further information will be posted here shortly. If you are interested in participating please inform Chrystal Cherniwchan as soon as possible.
We are delighted to announce that Sergio Verdú and Antonia Tulino will give a series of four lectures on Information Theory and Communications, and on applications of Random Matrix Theory in these areas at the University of Bristol on the 9th and 10th June.
Sergio Verdú is a world-leading expert in Random Matrix Theory. His research interests are in Information Theory, Data Compression and Transmission, and Signal Processing. He and Antonia Tulino are particularly renowned for their applications of random matrix theory to information theory and communications. The programme for their visit is still being planned, and further information will be posted here shortly. If you are interested in participating please inform Chrystal Cherniwchan as soon as possible.
March 2nd to 4th 2008
Bristol Algorithm Days - BAD '08
Engineers House, Clifton, Bristol
The second annual Bristol Algorithm Days (BAD '08) will gather researchers and students interested in the study of theoretical and practical aspects of algorithms. The closing date for registration to participate is 4th January. For full information visit the main web site: http://www.cs.bris.ac.uk/~clifford/bad08.html
The second annual Bristol Algorithm Days (BAD '08) will gather researchers and students interested in the study of theoretical and practical aspects of algorithms. The closing date for registration to participate is 4th January. For full information visit the main web site: http://www.cs.bris.ac.uk/~clifford/bad08.html
November 28th 2007
Probabilistic Models for Optimisation Meeting
13:00 - 16:00, Study, Goldbrick House, 69 Park Street
An afternoon meeting for technical discussion exploring the relationship between methods of optimization based on probability distributions that have been developed independently in various fields. All researchers with an active interest in the topics are invited to attend and participate in the discussion.
Slides presented at the meeting:
An afternoon meeting for technical discussion exploring the relationship between methods of optimization based on probability distributions that have been developed independently in various fields. All researchers with an active interest in the topics are invited to attend and participate in the discussion.
Slides presented at the meeting:
November 27th 2007
Workshop on Power Harvesting, Low Power Electronics and MEMS
11:00 - 14:00, Drawing Room, Royal Fort House
This informal workshop will draw together people working on or interested in these areas. Both experimentalists and modellers are encouraged to attend. Participants will make a brief presentation to describe their existing research interests and future plans. This will be followed by a buffet lunch and open discussion. The purpose of the meeting is to:
This informal workshop will draw together people working on or interested in these areas. Both experimentalists and modellers are encouraged to attend. Participants will make a brief presentation to describe their existing research interests and future plans. This will be followed by a buffet lunch and open discussion. The purpose of the meeting is to:
- To inform people about the research that is going on across the faculty
- To provide a forum for new ideas to be kicked around in
- To encourage contributions from people in complementary fields (e.g. mathematics)
July 25th 2007
Adaptive Learning Workshop
Avon Room, Avon Gorge Hotel, Clifton, Bristol
This exploratory, one-day workshop will bring together researchers in Computer Science and Mathematics interested in adaptive learning/reinforcement learning. The purpose is to identify common research interests and explore the potential for cooperation. In the spirit of the workshop, participants will make presentations on their research or the research of their group, followed by ample opportunity for open discussion. Future activities on this theme will surely follow.
This exploratory, one-day workshop will bring together researchers in Computer Science and Mathematics interested in adaptive learning/reinforcement learning. The purpose is to identify common research interests and explore the potential for cooperation. In the spirit of the workshop, participants will make presentations on their research or the research of their group, followed by ample opportunity for open discussion. Future activities on this theme will surely follow.
June 27th 2007
Inference and Computation Working Lunch
Rodney Hotel, Clifton, Bristol
This informal exploratory meeting was held to initiate interdepartmental initiatives on the topic. 12 Participants from Mathematics - Statistics, Computer Science and Engineering Mathematics first introduced their own, and that of their research group.
This informal exploratory meeting was held to initiate interdepartmental initiatives on the topic. 12 Participants from Mathematics - Statistics, Computer Science and Engineering Mathematics first introduced their own, and that of their research group.
Spring 2007
Intelligent Systems @ Bristol, Seminar Series
14.00-15.00
A series of seminars, supported by Bridging the Gaps, aimed at researchers interested in the general principles underlying learning and intelligence in machines and biological systems.
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A series of seminars, supported by Bridging the Gaps, aimed at researchers interested in the general principles underlying learning and intelligence in machines and biological systems.
Read More
Wednesday April 25th 2007
Bridging the Gaps Launch Event
Merchant Venturers Building Atrium
12.45-14.30
The Bridging the Gaps launch event, to be opened by Prof. Malcolm Anderson, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research.
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12.45-14.30
The Bridging the Gaps launch event, to be opened by Prof. Malcolm Anderson, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research.
Read More
19th and 20th February 2007
Bristol Algorithms Day 2007 (BAD' 07)
Burwalls Centre for Continuing Education
This event was the first to be hosted under the Bridging the Gaps initiate. This international workshop of computer scientists and mathematicians attracted over 30 delegates from sixteen institutions from eight countries. The event was a great success and BAD '08 is eagerly anticipated.
For further information on this event please visit the event webpage.
This event was the first to be hosted under the Bridging the Gaps initiate. This international workshop of computer scientists and mathematicians attracted over 30 delegates from sixteen institutions from eight countries. The event was a great success and BAD '08 is eagerly anticipated.
For further information on this event please visit the event webpage.
