Innovation Anthology #235:
Advances in computing science mean we can now break down every scrap of information into bits and bytes and store it.
But can we possibly absorb and interpret all that data in a meaningful way?
It’s a question Dr. Randy Goebel faces daily in his work with machine learning and as President and CEO of iCORE, Alberta’s Informatics Circle of Research Excellence
DR. RANDY GOEBEL: We create an enormous amount of data but we’re very naïve about how to use that data. But I think we’re on the verge of being to capture data in a goal directed way because we understand that computation is the only path between these large data volumes and making good decisions. The world is not structured in the way where the cleverest people by themselves are able to interpret the world. We need help. We already know that. We know the world would grind to a halt, and you would never be able to travel if the computer systems that manage airline scheduling went down.
Dr. Goebel says the next level of computer infrastructure will help scientists interpret data at a level of detail where, for example, we can predict and prevent mountain pine beetle infestations, or even understand signals from outer space.
Thanks today to iCORE.
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I’M CHERYL CROUCHER
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iCORE, Informatics Circle of Research Excellence
iCORE was established in October 1999 by the Government of Alberta to foster an expanding community of exceptional researchers in the field of informatics, that is, areas of computer science, electrical and computer engineering, physics, mathematics and other disciplines related to information and communications technology (ICT).
As part of the Government of Alberta’s strategy to create a globally competitive knowledge-based economic sector, iCORE is directing its support to areas in which Alberta has a chance to develop internationally recognized research teams. It is also focusing on areas in which Alberta companies are active, so that intellectual property and valuable knowledge workers resulting from iCORE’s investment will have compelling reasons to stay in Alberta.
iCORE invests in people of the highest calibre, research scientists who work on fundamental and applied problems in informatics. It operates several grant programs to develop iCORE Chairs at Alberta universities, around which world-class research teams are developed. Since its inception, more than 24 research chairs have been established to focus on emerging areas such as wireless communications, artificial intelligence, and quantum and nanocomputing.
The iCORE principle is simple: exceptional people produce exceptional results.
In January 2010, under the new Alberta Innovation Framework, iCORE was restructured and incorporated into the new provincial agency Alberta Innovates Technology Futures.
Program Date: 2009-06-23