In this episode of our Voices of Mathematics podcast we talk to James Fergusson, Professor of Theoretical Cosmology in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. James is also the Executive Director of the University of Cambridge's innovative new Master's programme in Data Intensive Science, and the Director of the Infosys-Cambridge AI Centre.
Fergusson's innovative collaboration with Infosys, a global consulting company and leader in next-generation digital services, is an outstanding example of how the University and industry can collaborate on cutting edge research with real impact and benefits for both sectors. "Out of our conversations with Infosys, we realised that a lot of the research challenges we have [in academia] are very similar to the challenges that large enterprises have," says Fergusson. "One of the really interesting things we are talking to companies about is how do you take these ideas from research and build them into robust, reliable systems that can be widely used."
As well as exploring the potential of what AI can do in industry, Fergusson is also equipping the next generation of researchers through the MPhil in Data Intensive Science. Rather than a more traditional Master's course which focuses on one specific subject, Fergusson says the MPhil is intended to be more like vocational training, giving students the full package of skills that researchers in this field will need.
We talked to James to learn more about the potential of AI to drive forward scientific discovery, how industry and academia can work together, and training the researchers of the future.
The podcast is hosted by Marianne Freiberger and Rachel Thomas, Editors of Plus, from the communications and outreach team at the Mathematics Faculty.
To find out more about topics mentioned in this podcast see:
- Our accompanying feature article Building bridges between academia and industry
- Find out more about the MPhil in Data Intensive Science
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