Simon Shaw: From Machine Tools to Machine Learning

Simon Shaw: From Machine Tools to Machine Learning

From Machine Tools to Machine Learning - via decay, dead poets, heart disease and finite elements.

By Brunel University London

Date and time

Tue, 28 May 2024 17:30 - 19:00 GMT+1

Location

Ground floor lecture theatre, Michael Sterling Building

Kingston Lane Uxbridge UB8 3PH United Kingdom

About this event

  • 1 hour 30 minutes


From Machine Tools to Machine Learning:
Via decay, dead poets, heart disease and finite elements


Now Professor of Mathematics at Brunel, Simon Shaw's route to academia and to impactful research is unique...

I hated school, studied A levels at home but didn't take the exams, was apprenticed but the factory went bust, finished night school by doing odd jobs, did Mechanical Engineering but treated it as applied maths, became a designer but the business went bust (again), took an Engineering MSc (yet more applied maths) to become a consultant, but a finite element PhD lured me to Brunel.

I loved the research and still do: the approximation of decay and hysteresis. I did as much teaching as I could, and with the help of some Dead Poets forgot the consultancy ambition and decided that teaching and research was my path. Years spent on theorems and coding in research, and then a major application to heart disease gave it all meaning I had never dreamt of...

Simon is joint Head of Department, but also enjoying the mutual benefits of an industry knowledge transfer partnership. Simon's impactful research using computational mathematics and machine learning as a noninvasive means of screening for coronary artery disease is now being commercially spun out.


"I was apprenticed to be - in archaic terms - a journeyman.... It's been some journey!"


Simon hopes you can join him for a drinks reception after the event.


A livestream option will be available.


What is an Inaugural Lecture?


An Inaugural Lecture marks a significant milestone in any academic career. Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary careers and research excellence of our academic colleagues, recently joined or promoted to Professor.


In these special open lectures, our professors welcome family, friends, colleagues and members of the public for a memorable evening unpacking their research expertise and offering insights from their career journey.


The Inaugural Lecture Series showcases a wide range of subjects and professorial expertise. These beacons of Brunel’s research community are leaders in their wider field, presenting their expertise, free and open to all.


Brunel.ac.uk/PublicLectures

All ages are welcome - we request that those under 18 are accompanied by an adult.


Tickets

Frequently asked questions

Is this venue accessible?

All venues at Brunel are widely accessible. More information on our venue accessibility is available via the AccessAble website. https://www.accessable.co.uk/brunel-university-london. Feel free to contact us at researchengagement@brunel.ac.uk . Do let us know on the day if you need assistance.

Can I attend online?

We would love to see you on campus, where you will be able to enjoy refreshments and informal discussion. We will livestream or record the event. Please complete your registration and we will email details nearer the time.

Does the venue have a hearing loop?

Please contact us for further information: researchengagement@brunel.ac.uk

Is there a Quiet Room I can use?

Yes, there is a dedicated Quiet Room on campus and often nearby rooms that are available. Feel free to contact us at researchengagement@brunel.ac.uk

I need to bring a carer, am I able to attend?

We are happy to reserve seats together to ensure that you and your carer can sit together throughout the event, if required. Please let us know when booking your ticket. You can contact us at researchengagement@brunel.ac.uk

I have a guide dog, am I able to attend?

Yes - please let us know when booking your ticket. You can contact us at researchengagement@brunel.ac.uk

Is there a minimum age to attend?

All ages are welcome for this event but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Feel free to contact us at researchengagement@brunel.ac.uk if you have any queries.

How do I get to the venue?

Detailed instructions will be provided by email to attendees, but please find general information here: brunel.ac.uk/about/finding-us

Will there be filming or photography at the event?

Filming and/or photography will be taking place and clear signage will be displayed across the site. Footage and images are used to further the reach of our events. Those not wishing to be included in any footage should notify staff at the event.

I have a query that hasn't been answered - who should I contact?

Feel free to contact us at researchengagement@brunel.ac.uk or speak with a member of staff on arrival

Can I book for a large group?

Yes, we would be delighted to welcome your group. Please contact us via researchengagement@brunel.ac.uk.

Is there accessible parking nearby?

The nearest Blue Badge carparking is within 200 metres of the entrance. All parking during working hours requires an e-permit. Please contact us to request and for further information: researchengagement@brunel.ac.uk

Organised by

Brunel University London

Brunel University London is a modern, forward thinking University based in Hillingdon in the west of London. We are heavily involved with our local community and run a wide range of events throughout the year that members of the public can get involved with, from public lectures on our research, to charity fundraising events and foreign language courses.