The Oxford Technology in Society (OTIS) Forum is a new interdisciplinary exchange and research network, supported by TORCH. Our goal is to bring researchers from across the University’s divisions together to discuss technology’s impact on societies past, present, and future, with a particular focus on PGRs and ECRs. Through dialogue and the cross-fertilisation of ideas, we believe that a broader and deeper understanding of our own areas of expertise will be achieved.

We hope to establish a functioning, interdisciplinary community of scholars concerned with technology and society. And as a first step towards this aim, we are pleased to announce our inaugural event.

At this colloquium, Professor Ursula Martin CBE FREng FRSE will deliver a talk entitled, ‘Imagining AI’, a historical perspective on some key artificial intelligence imaginaries which have assumed salience over time. This will be followed by moderated discussion, as well as drinks and nibbles.

About the Speaker:
Professor Ursula Martin CBE FREng FRSE has had a distinguished research career in computer science, especially the use of computers to create mathematical proofs and contribute to system safety, and now focuses on wider social and cultural approaches to understanding computation. She has a long track record of working for women in science, and co-authored definitive research, including a popular book, on the scientific work of Ada Lovelace. She is currently working with the Bodleian Library on an exhibition ‘Imagining AI’ which will draw on the Bodleian’s collections, including the papers of Lovelace, Mary Shelley, and Christopher Strachey.

Professor Martin is currently a Professor at the University of Edinburgh, and a Senior Research Fellow at Wadham College, Oxford.

For further information about OTIS please visit the web page here:
www.torch.ox.ac.uk/otis