Category Archives: Just for Fun

Oxford Comic Con 2016 – call for papers

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Not the usual call for papers …

Oxford Comic Con is inviting abstracts for its 2016 Conference which will be held at Examination Schools, 5-6 March 2016.

The conference will be exploring academic subjects relating to popular comic books, science fiction movies and other forms of popular culture.  It aims to use these media to convey academic research to the public in a fun and engaging way.Papers can take the form of short presentations, panels or debates and possible subjects include scientific debates behind the Force, Ant-Man, the Incredible Hulk, etc.  The choice is yours!

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/136093560083237/

Please send proposals and brief bio to Head of Knowledge Michael Serafian at epic@oxcon.xyz

The deadline for abstracts is 15 December 2015

Oxford Sparks – AI Podcast with Nando de Freitas

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OxfordSparksOxford Sparks have released their new podcast, with this one focusing on Artificial Intelligence, and specifically, ‘how to make machines that learn’ with Prof Nando de Freitas from Computer Sciences.

In episode 7, we ask whether machines are really all that clever. How can artificial intelligence (AI) be used as a tool to help humanity face its grand challenges? How can AI help us understand how we learn language? And what does it take to get a machine to learn?

In Part 2 with Professor Nando de Freitas, he explains that understanding how our brains work has helped us create machines that learn, and how these learning machines can be put to completing different tasks.

To find out more and have a listen – Click Here

“Smart Oxford” Initiative – Volunteers needed

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The Smart Oxford Initiative is now live! Smart Oxford represents a commitment by Oxfordshire Partners to develop efficient and effective use of data and technology for the benefit of it’s citizens.

The aims of “Smart Oxford” are listed below:

  • creating joined-up thinking and behaviour across all city services;
  • creating economic and social prosperity;
  • enhancing performance, well-being and quality of life;
  • reducing costs and resource consumption; and
  • engaging actively with all its citizens.

The website will be looking for bloggers on smart-city related topics so anyone is interested in writing a smart-city themed article, or re-blogging some existing material. This would be an excellent opportunity to utilise your knowledge and point-of-view on a public network, reaching Oxford and beyond.

To visit the Smart Oxford website – Click Here
To volunteer your writing assistance – Click Here

Wow!How? Family Science Fair – Volunteers needed!

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WowHow

As part of British Science Week and Oxfordshire Science Festival, Wow!How? returns for its eleventh year, as it aims to enthuse young visitors and the general public about all aspects of science. After last years attendence of 4,500 people, who enjoyed 35 activities, run by more than 160 volunteers, we are hoping for another fun filled and interesting year. Wow!How? aims to publicly promote science as an exciting, relevant, and worthwhile endeavour. For many visitors, it provides an unusual positive interaction with scientific ideas and experiments:

Date: Saturday 14th March, 10 am – 4 pm
Location: Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum

Your help is needed however – Wow!How? are looking for creative and committed volunteers to develop and deliver exciting hands-on activities or short family-friendly talks and demonstrations. If you are interested in potentially leading or assisting on a stall, come to an introductory briefing: Thursday 15th or 22nd January, 5.15pm, at the Museum of Natural History (please let us know if you plan to come). On the day, we will also need lots of general help with welcoming visitors and covering lunch breaks. If you’d like to volunteer in this way, please also get in touch

To register you interest or find out more, contact Caroline Cheeseman – Click Here
For more information about the day – Click here