Message from the Head of School
Welcome to our 2024 magazine bringing the latest news from around the School to our students, alumni, collaborators, staff, friends and the worldwide computer science community. You can download the 2024 issue here
We highlight research in AI, Machine Learning and Data Analytics, throwing a spotlight on the SFI-funded Insight Centre for Data Analytics, in which researchers from the School of CS have played a big role since its establishment. It is timely to look back at the impact of the centre over the last 10 years.
Generative AI broke into the public consciousness in late 2022 with the release of ChatGPT, which brought the power of AI to the attention of wider society. Asst. Prof. Brett Becker and Assoc. Prof. Brian Mac Namee address the impact of GenAI on CS education. GenAI brings many risks and opportunities; it has led the School to reconsider some of its assessment strategies, but we have also embraced the power of AI and are teaching students how to program with AI support.
The technology that underlies ChatGPT is known as a Large Language Model (LLM). LLMs can interact with humans, holding conversations that suggest uncanny intelligence. But can they exhibit human attributes, such as a sense of humour? Explore this question with Assoc. Prof. Tony Veale.
The UrbanArk project is addressing the climate emergency and in particular coastal flooding. Prof. Michela Bertolotto and Assoc. Prof. Nhien-An Le Khac lead this project which is funded jointly by the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy, the US National Science Foundation and Science Foundation Ireland.
Our researcher spotlight is on Assoc. Prof. Liliana Pasquale, who describes her research and teaching vision and her contributions to secure software engineering and cybersecurity.
Close relations with industry are a key strength of our programmes. Graduates of the MSc in Advanced Software Engineering, a niche programme offered to professional software engineers talk about their studies. Stage 4 student, Turlough Kelly tells us about his internship programme. Finally, PhD graduate, Dr. Fergal Reid, VP of AI at Intercom, gives his views on the future of AI.
Many thanks to the editorial team of Rupert Bowen and Colm Ryan. Enjoy!
Neil Hurley, Head of School
Published 24 April 2024