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This Week’s Events
In-Context Learning” or: How I learned to stop worrying and love “Applied Information Retrieval
Group: Information Retrieval (IR)
Speaker: Debasis Ganguly, University of Glasgow
Date: 13 May, 2024
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: Sir Alwyn Williams Building, 422 Seminar Room
Abstract:
With the increasing ability of large language models (LLMs), in-context learning (ICL) has evolved as a new paradigm for natural language processing (NLP), where instead of fine-tuning the parameters of an LLM specific to a downstream task with labeled examples, a small number of such examples is appended to a prompt instruction for controlling the decoder’s generation process. ICL, thus, is conceptually similar to a non-parametric approach, such as 𝑘-NN, where the prediction for each instance essentially depends on the local topology, i.e., on a localised set of similar instances and their labels (called few-shot examples). This suggests that a test instance in ICL is analogous to a query in IR, and similar examples in ICL retrieved from a training set relate to a set of documents retrieved from a collection in IR. While standard unsupervised ranking models can be used to retrieve these few-shot examples from a training set, the effectiveness of the examples can potentially be improved by re-defining the notion of relevance specific to its utility for the downstream task, i.e., considering an example to be relevant if including it in the prompt instruction leads to a correct prediction. With this task-specific notion of relevance, it is possible to train a supervised ranking model (e.g., a bi-encoder or cross-encoder), which potentially learns to optimally select the few-shot examples. We believe that the recent advances in neural rankers can potentially find a use case for this task of optimally choosing examples for more effective downstream ICL predictions.
Bio:
Debasis Ganguly is a lecturer in Data Science at the University of Glasgow. Generally speaking, his research activities span across a wide range of topics on Information Retrieval (IR) and Natural Language Processing (NLP). His research focus is on applications of unsupervised methods leveraging word embeddings for ad-hoc IR, query performance prediction, multi-objective neural networks for fair predictions and privacy-preserved learning, explainability and trustworthiness of ranking models, and defence against adversarial attacks on neural models.
Programming Language Concepts for (Climate) Science
Group: Programming Languages at University of Glasgow (PLUG)
Speaker: Dominic Orchard
Date: 15 May, 2024
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: Room 422, SAWB
Dominic Orchard from the University of Kent will be giving next week's PLUG talk (on 15th May). Dominic will be presenting remotely, but we will meet up in SAWB422 to watch it together, with cakes and celery afterwards as usual.
Programming Language Concepts for (Climate) Science
Group: Low Carbon and Sustainable Computing
Speaker: Dominic Orchard, Institute of Computing for Climate Science, University of Cambridge
Date: 15 May, 2024
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/81927435421?pwd=SHZIRUpZR2p1NHRMbURKRFljRG9GZz09
Joint PLUG/LOCOS talk, online
Wed 15 May, 3pm
https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/81927435421?pwd=SHZIRUpZR2p1NHRMbURKRFljRG9GZz09
Title: Programming Language Concepts for (Climate) Science
Abstract:
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Assessing its risks and our progress towards mitigating its worst effects requires a wealth of data that we process to make decisions that affect the lives of billions worldwide, both now and in the future. However, in the last decade, climate modelling has faced diminishing returns from current hardware trends and software techniques. Developing the required models and analysis tools to effectively process, explore, archive, and derive policy decisions, with a high degree of transparency and trust, remains difficult. In this talk I'll outline some of the challenges in this space, informed by the work of the Institute of Computing for Climate Science and the climate modelling projects we are involve in. I will put forward various ideas, together forming a (tentative) vision of what a future programming language for climate science could look like.
Speaker:
Dominic is a computer scientist with a broad range of interests and expertise. His research is mainly in the programming languages and verification with applications to supporting climate modelling. Much of his work crosses between theory and applications, often intersecting semantics, types, and logic, but also with tool implementations and novel language ideas.
He is a co-director of the Institute of Computing for Climate Science which seeks to support the role of computer science, software engineering, machine learning, and data science in climate modelling. He also works part-time at the University of Kent as a researcher in the Programming Languages and Systems group. He is a fellow of the Software Sustainability Institute and a Bye-Fellow of Queens' College, Cambridge.
He is known as one of the originators of the concept of coeffects in programming language semantics and analysis, the concept of graded modal types, and the inventor of the Granule programming language, and the lead of the CamFort project for static analysis of numerical Fortran code.
GIST Seminar
Group: Human Computer Interaction (GIST)
Speaker: Alessandro Privitera, University of Udine
Date: 16 May, 2024
Time: 13:00 - 14:00
Location: Sir Alwyn Williams Building, 423 Seminar Room
Dear All,
Abstract: "Human-computer interaction research usually tries to understand how an interface, interaction method or technology can be improved to make the user easier to interact with or to induce specific behaviour for specific purposes (security, fast response, etc.). In this talk, I will introduce a new model, specifically designed for Sonic Interactions in Virtual Environments (SIVE), that considers technology and users as mutually influencing “entangled” elements. This model will be applied to a specific use case where the user interacts with a realistic real-time acoustic reconstruction of a real indoor environment. Moreover, a possible applicative scenario in Digital Humanities will be presented."
Bio: Alessandro Privitera is a PhD student in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Udine (Italy, Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics). His main research interests include audio virtual and augmented realities, sonic interactions, and the evaluation of personalised experiences in augmented realities.
He obtained a Master degree in Computer Engineering and a Degree in Electronic Music Composition. He was a research assistant at the Human-Inspired Technology Lab at the University of Padua (Italy). He worked on various European projects, including CEEDs (The Collective Experience of Empathic Data Systems), CultAR (Culturally Enhanced Augmented Realities), and NEWIP (Nightlife Empowerment & Well-Being Implementation Project). He is passionate about Music and Multimedia Arts. When he is not researching, he is a singer and songwriter and composes music for short films and commercials.
Location: SAWB 423, Sir Alwyn Williams Building
[IDA Tutorial Series] Thesis Statement Writing -- Iadh Ounis & Craig Macdonald (1:00-2:30pm 16th May)
Group: Section for Information, Data and Analysis (IDA)
Speaker: Prof. Iadh Ounis, Prof. Craig Macdonald
Date: 16 May, 2024
Time: 13:00 - 14:30
Location: Room 422, SAWB
[IDA Tutorial Series]
Time: 1:00-2:30 pm Thursday 16th May, 2024
Venue: SAWB 422
Title: Thesis Statement Writing
Speaker: Prof. Iadh Ounis, Prof. Craig Macdonald
Abstract: Every PhD student should have a main point, a main idea or central message in their research. The argument(s) the student makes in their thesis should reflect and support this main idea. The sentence that captures the position on this main idea is the thesis statement. This tutorial will discuss the important characteristics of the thesis statement and how the statement should be developed to be the focal point of a PhD thesis. It will also discuss pitfalls to avoid when writing a thesis statement and some best practices in writing thesis statements.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The IDA Tutorial Series is a newly launched regular event that aims to disseminate good scientific practice and research skills and provide practical guidance from experienced senior researchers to their junior counterparts. It runs every 4-5 weeks and covers a range of topics in computing science and general research skills. The main motivations of this tutorial series are:
1. Providing a platform for junior researchers to develop the essential skills and knowledge for successful research.
2. Regularly disseminating information about tools and platforms provided by the section/school.
3. Sharing research topics and encouraging collaboration among research groups within the school.
Suggestions for topics or speakers are welcome!
Upcoming events
In-Context Learning” or: How I learned to stop worrying and love “Applied Information Retrieval
Group: Information Retrieval (IR)
Speaker: Debasis Ganguly, University of Glasgow
Date: 13 May, 2024
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: Sir Alwyn Williams Building, 422 Seminar Room
Abstract:
With the increasing ability of large language models (LLMs), in-context learning (ICL) has evolved as a new paradigm for natural language processing (NLP), where instead of fine-tuning the parameters of an LLM specific to a downstream task with labeled examples, a small number of such examples is appended to a prompt instruction for controlling the decoder’s generation process. ICL, thus, is conceptually similar to a non-parametric approach, such as 𝑘-NN, where the prediction for each instance essentially depends on the local topology, i.e., on a localised set of similar instances and their labels (called few-shot examples). This suggests that a test instance in ICL is analogous to a query in IR, and similar examples in ICL retrieved from a training set relate to a set of documents retrieved from a collection in IR. While standard unsupervised ranking models can be used to retrieve these few-shot examples from a training set, the effectiveness of the examples can potentially be improved by re-defining the notion of relevance specific to its utility for the downstream task, i.e., considering an example to be relevant if including it in the prompt instruction leads to a correct prediction. With this task-specific notion of relevance, it is possible to train a supervised ranking model (e.g., a bi-encoder or cross-encoder), which potentially learns to optimally select the few-shot examples. We believe that the recent advances in neural rankers can potentially find a use case for this task of optimally choosing examples for more effective downstream ICL predictions.
Bio:
Debasis Ganguly is a lecturer in Data Science at the University of Glasgow. Generally speaking, his research activities span across a wide range of topics on Information Retrieval (IR) and Natural Language Processing (NLP). His research focus is on applications of unsupervised methods leveraging word embeddings for ad-hoc IR, query performance prediction, multi-objective neural networks for fair predictions and privacy-preserved learning, explainability and trustworthiness of ranking models, and defence against adversarial attacks on neural models.
Programming Language Concepts for (Climate) Science
Group: Programming Languages at University of Glasgow (PLUG)
Speaker: Dominic Orchard
Date: 15 May, 2024
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: Room 422, SAWB
Dominic Orchard from the University of Kent will be giving next week's PLUG talk (on 15th May). Dominic will be presenting remotely, but we will meet up in SAWB422 to watch it together, with cakes and celery afterwards as usual.
Programming Language Concepts for (Climate) Science
Group: Low Carbon and Sustainable Computing
Speaker: Dominic Orchard, Institute of Computing for Climate Science, University of Cambridge
Date: 15 May, 2024
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/81927435421?pwd=SHZIRUpZR2p1NHRMbURKRFljRG9GZz09
Joint PLUG/LOCOS talk, online
Wed 15 May, 3pm
https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/81927435421?pwd=SHZIRUpZR2p1NHRMbURKRFljRG9GZz09
Title: Programming Language Concepts for (Climate) Science
Abstract:
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Assessing its risks and our progress towards mitigating its worst effects requires a wealth of data that we process to make decisions that affect the lives of billions worldwide, both now and in the future. However, in the last decade, climate modelling has faced diminishing returns from current hardware trends and software techniques. Developing the required models and analysis tools to effectively process, explore, archive, and derive policy decisions, with a high degree of transparency and trust, remains difficult. In this talk I'll outline some of the challenges in this space, informed by the work of the Institute of Computing for Climate Science and the climate modelling projects we are involve in. I will put forward various ideas, together forming a (tentative) vision of what a future programming language for climate science could look like.
Speaker:
Dominic is a computer scientist with a broad range of interests and expertise. His research is mainly in the programming languages and verification with applications to supporting climate modelling. Much of his work crosses between theory and applications, often intersecting semantics, types, and logic, but also with tool implementations and novel language ideas.
He is a co-director of the Institute of Computing for Climate Science which seeks to support the role of computer science, software engineering, machine learning, and data science in climate modelling. He also works part-time at the University of Kent as a researcher in the Programming Languages and Systems group. He is a fellow of the Software Sustainability Institute and a Bye-Fellow of Queens' College, Cambridge.
He is known as one of the originators of the concept of coeffects in programming language semantics and analysis, the concept of graded modal types, and the inventor of the Granule programming language, and the lead of the CamFort project for static analysis of numerical Fortran code.
GIST Seminar
Group: Human Computer Interaction (GIST)
Speaker: Alessandro Privitera, University of Udine
Date: 16 May, 2024
Time: 13:00 - 14:00
Location: Sir Alwyn Williams Building, 423 Seminar Room
Dear All,
Abstract: "Human-computer interaction research usually tries to understand how an interface, interaction method or technology can be improved to make the user easier to interact with or to induce specific behaviour for specific purposes (security, fast response, etc.). In this talk, I will introduce a new model, specifically designed for Sonic Interactions in Virtual Environments (SIVE), that considers technology and users as mutually influencing “entangled” elements. This model will be applied to a specific use case where the user interacts with a realistic real-time acoustic reconstruction of a real indoor environment. Moreover, a possible applicative scenario in Digital Humanities will be presented."
Bio: Alessandro Privitera is a PhD student in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Udine (Italy, Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics). His main research interests include audio virtual and augmented realities, sonic interactions, and the evaluation of personalised experiences in augmented realities.
He obtained a Master degree in Computer Engineering and a Degree in Electronic Music Composition. He was a research assistant at the Human-Inspired Technology Lab at the University of Padua (Italy). He worked on various European projects, including CEEDs (The Collective Experience of Empathic Data Systems), CultAR (Culturally Enhanced Augmented Realities), and NEWIP (Nightlife Empowerment & Well-Being Implementation Project). He is passionate about Music and Multimedia Arts. When he is not researching, he is a singer and songwriter and composes music for short films and commercials.
Location: SAWB 423, Sir Alwyn Williams Building
[IDA Tutorial Series] Thesis Statement Writing -- Iadh Ounis & Craig Macdonald (1:00-2:30pm 16th May)
Group: Section for Information, Data and Analysis (IDA)
Speaker: Prof. Iadh Ounis, Prof. Craig Macdonald
Date: 16 May, 2024
Time: 13:00 - 14:30
Location: Room 422, SAWB
[IDA Tutorial Series]
Time: 1:00-2:30 pm Thursday 16th May, 2024
Venue: SAWB 422
Title: Thesis Statement Writing
Speaker: Prof. Iadh Ounis, Prof. Craig Macdonald
Abstract: Every PhD student should have a main point, a main idea or central message in their research. The argument(s) the student makes in their thesis should reflect and support this main idea. The sentence that captures the position on this main idea is the thesis statement. This tutorial will discuss the important characteristics of the thesis statement and how the statement should be developed to be the focal point of a PhD thesis. It will also discuss pitfalls to avoid when writing a thesis statement and some best practices in writing thesis statements.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The IDA Tutorial Series is a newly launched regular event that aims to disseminate good scientific practice and research skills and provide practical guidance from experienced senior researchers to their junior counterparts. It runs every 4-5 weeks and covers a range of topics in computing science and general research skills. The main motivations of this tutorial series are:
1. Providing a platform for junior researchers to develop the essential skills and knowledge for successful research.
2. Regularly disseminating information about tools and platforms provided by the section/school.
3. Sharing research topics and encouraging collaboration among research groups within the school.
Suggestions for topics or speakers are welcome!
Implementing a Language Server Protocol for Links (MSci Project Talk)
Group: Programming Languages at University of Glasgow (PLUG)
Speaker: Brandon Forrest, University of Glasgow
Date: 22 May, 2024
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: TBA
Brandon will be talking about his MSci project, on implementing an LSP backend for Links.
Open Source - Academic and Industry Perspectives
Group: Glasgow Computing Science Innovation Lab
Speaker: Dr Sean MacAvaney and others (TBC), School of Computing Science, UofG
Date: 28 May, 2024
Time: 14:00 - 16:00
Location: Sir Alwyn Williams Building, 423 Seminar Room
This session focuses on utilising and contributing to open source repositories in the context of both research, impact generation, and industrial applications. We'll cover the pros and cons associated with open source resources, the role they can play in research and innovation, and considerations on when and how to use them.
We'll have contributions from academic colleagues and industry partners, led by Dr Sean MacAvaney as Open Source Lead within the School.
This will be a hybrid event.
Zoom Link: https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/89782095915?pwd=N3B4ckhDMGZXZ0psTGk4WUJQb0hCZz09
TBA
Group: Programming Languages at University of Glasgow (PLUG)
Speaker: Duncan Lowther
Date: 29 May, 2024
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: Room 422, SAWB
Abstract TBA
Beyond Tech: Collaborative Strategies for Cyber Resilience in Scotland
Group: Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA)
Speaker: SICSA Event, SICSA
Date: 30 May, 2024
Time: 10:45 - 13:00
Location: Abertay cyberQuarter, Multimedia Suite, 1-3 Bell Street , Dundee , DD1 1LH, United Kingdom
Let’s do research that makes Scotland safer against cyber-attacks. Technology alone will not protect Scotland from cyber-attacks. This hybrid session will bring stakeholders from the public, third, and private sectors together with academic researchers from disciplines including psychology, anthropology, engineering, business, and computer science to hear about some current research needs and discuss how to formulate new, impactful research. We welcome those who are curious as well as those who already understand how their expertise might apply. Register (free) to attend at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/beyond-tech-collaborative-strategies-for-cyber-resilience-in-scotland-tickets-894214247887 Schedule 10:45-11:00 Arrival and coffee 11:00-11:05 Welcome 11:05-11:10 Jacques Ophoff, SICSA - Supporting cyber security research 11:10-11:20 Clare El Azebbi, Scottish Government Cyber Resilience Unit – Policy priorities and how we work with academia 11:20-11:30 Tania Wallis, University of Glasgow - Supply chain management 11:30-11:40 Ian Ferguson, Abertay University – Working with Police Scotland 11:40-11:50 Ros Searle, University of Glasgow – Insider threat 11:50-12:20 Attendee introductions and further discussion 12:20-13:00 Networking lunch This is a hybrid event with online or in-person attendance. The online session will be delivered through Microsoft Teams. A link is provided once registered. Talks will be streamed and recorded for those unable to attend - register to receive the link.
Ferdinand Schlatt IR Seminar
Group: Information Retrieval (IR)
Speaker: Ferdinand Schlatt, Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Date: 03 June, 2024
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: Room 422, SAWB
Title:
TBC
Abstract:
TBC
Bio:
TBC
ETRA 2024 - ACM Symposium on Eye Tracking Research & Applications
Group: Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA)
Speaker: SICSA Event, SICSA
Date: 04 June, 2024
Time: 01:00 - 01:00
Location: TBA
The 2024 ACM Symposium on Eye Tracking Research & Applications (ETRA) will be held in Glasgow, UK from June 4 to June 7, 2024. The aim of ETRA is to bring together researchers and practitioners from across fields with the common goal of continuing to move eye tracking research forward. Join us in Glasgow for ETRA, attend co-located workshops, and participate in exciting discussions. Find out more and register to attend.
TBC
Group: Centre for Computing Science Education (CCSE)
Speaker: Harold Thimbleby, Swansea University
Date: 06 June, 2024
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: TBC
Yanran Tang IR Seminar
Group: Information Retrieval (IR)
Speaker: Yanran Tang, University of Queensland
Date: 17 June, 2024
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Location: Room 422, SAWB
Title:
TBC
Abstract:
TBC
Bio:
TBC
Building and Sustaining a Successful Research Culture
Group: Glasgow Computing Science Innovation Lab
Speaker: TBC
Date: 25 June, 2024
Time: 14:00 - 16:00
Location: SAWB 423, Sir Alwyn Williams Building
At this GLACSIL event, we'll hear from industry and academic colleagues on the key components of a successful research culture. Speakers will present key organisational, policy, resource, training, support, publishing, IP management, and risk management aspects of the research culture in their organisations, with some time for debate and discussion.
This is a hybrid event.
Zoom link: https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/84461275473?pwd=bnp2c0QzangwMUUySVE1aVFUVm1zUT09
SICSA Bootcamp on Cyber Security
Group: Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA)
Speaker: SICSA Event, SICSA
Date: 08 July, 2024
Time: 01:00 - 01:00
Location: University of Aberdeen, Kings College, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Join us for a fun, in-person workshop on Cyber Security at The University of Aberdeen. Book your place today!
SICSA 2024 Bootcamp and PhD Conference
Group: Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA)
Speaker: SICSA Event, SICSA
Date: 08 July, 2024
Time: 10:00 - 15:00
Location: University of Aberdeen, ,
We are delighted to host our Bootcamp and PhD Conference at the University of Aberdeen this year. Our theme this year is Developing Adaptability and Resilience. We will have a packed schedule of inspiring key note speeches and practical workshops, insightful training and opportunities to meet and chat with your fellow PhD colleagues. Look out for more information on the registration links coming soon.
SICSA 2024 PhD Conference
Group: Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA)
Speaker: SICSA Event, SICSA
Date: 09 July, 2024
Time: 09:30 - 14:30
Location: University of Aberdeen, ,
We are delighted to host our PhD Conference at the University of Aberdeen this year. Our theme this year is Developing Adaptability and Resilience. We will have a packed schedule of inspiring key note speeches and practical workshops, insightful training and opportunities to meet and chat with your fellow PhD colleagues. Register to save your place today!
Research Skills for Innovation
Group: Glasgow Computing Science Innovation Lab
Speaker: TBC
Date: 17 September, 2024
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Location: Advanced Research Centre 237C
At this GLACSIL event, academic and industry speakers will discuss the research skills they see as essential to successful innovation: how they hire, support, train, and develop, and prioritise those skills in their organisations.
This is a hybrid event.
Zoom link: https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/87964952377?pwd=K0dWUGJVaXlROXczajNycldIa1hmUT09
GLACSIL - Topic TBC
Group: Glasgow Computing Science Innovation Lab
Speaker: TBC
Date: 29 October, 2024
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Location: Advanced Research Centre
TBC
Location - Advanced Research Centre, Suite 2
This is a hybrid event. Zoom link: https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/84750210682?pwd=a25kTTVPRldYeVdWVG9pU3lGc2dQZz09
ACI 2024 - The Eleventh International Conference on Animal-Computer Interaction
Group: Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA)
Speaker: SICSA Event, SICSA
Date: 02 December, 2024
Time: 00:00 - 00:00
Location: TBA
ACI is the leading International Conference on Animal-Computer Interaction. It is a highly multidisciplinary event drawing researchers and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to share and discuss work and topics related to the research and design of computing-enabled and interactive technology for and with animals. We are keen to be as inclusive as possible. We wish to welcome a wide range of contributions and participants to the conference, promote a constructive dialogue around the animal-centred research and design of computing-enabled systems, and foster the development of ACI as a discipline. The conference is open to contributions from researchers and practitioners in a wide range of fields, including (but not limited to) ethics, behavior analysis, psychology, veterinary behavior, zoology, ethology, interaction design, computer science, and electrical engineering. Find out more about the conference and submission deadlines.
GLACSIL Industrial Studentship Showcase
Group: Glasgow Computing Science Innovation Lab
Speaker: TBC
Date: 03 December, 2024
Time: 14:00 - 17:00
Location: Advanced Research Centre 237C
At this event we'll celebrate the work and achievements of the industrial research students sponsored by GLACSIL partners via talks, technology demonstrations, plus festive drinks and nibbles.
Further details will be added in due course.
This is a hybrid event. Zoom link: https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/85920553642?pwd=endpSlhESjMxcFJmQUNPb3p0SENjZz09
GLACSIL Industrial Studentship Showcase
Group: Glasgow Computing Science Innovation Lab
Speaker: TBC
Date: 03 December, 2024
Time: 14:00 - 17:00
Location: Advanced Research Centre 237C
We'll celebrate the work and achievements of the research students sponsored by GLACSIL members via a series of talks and technology demonstrations.
Further details to follow.
This is a hybrid event. Zoom link: https://uofglasgow.zoom.us/j/85920553642?pwd=endpSlhESjMxcFJmQUNPb3p0SENjZz09
Past events
To view past events, please click hereEvents Webapp
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