Tue 20 May 15:30: Building Organizational Resilience with AI Malfunction Drills
AI systems malfunction — and when they do, a human is typically held responsible for identifying and correcting this malfunction, yet they are rarely trained to do so. In this talk, I will advocate for AI malfunction drills: training exercises that would expose participants to simulations of realistic AI system failures in a controlled setting. These exercises would provide a safe environment for the users and operators of an AI system to practice detecting and resolving AI malfunctions.
Rosco Hunter is a PhD student at the University of Warwick with a background in Maths and Computer Science. His PhD research focuses on how automation can streamline the design and governance of AI systems (e.g., using automation for hyper-parameter optimisation and scalable risk management).
- Speaker: Rosco Hunter, University of Warwick
- Tuesday 20 May 2025, 15:30-16:30
- Venue: Computer Lab, FW26.
- Series: Cambridge ML Systems Seminar Series; organiser: Sally Matthews.
Wed 28 May 16:00: Title to be confirmed
Abstract not available
- Speaker: Laura Monk (Bristol)
- Wednesday 28 May 2025, 16:00-17:00
- Venue: MR13.
- Series: Differential Geometry and Topology Seminar; organiser: Oscar Randal-Williams.
Wed 21 May 11:30: Autism in Midlife and Older Age
Ageing in autism is a neglected area of research, accounting for less than 1% of all indexed autism research pre-2022. Gavin will begin by discussing how historic changes to the diagnostic criteria of autism has resulted in upwards of 90% of autistic people over 50 being undiagnosed. He will then discuss how different but complementary conceptual approaches can be used to examine ageing in autism (i.e., dimensional trait-based approaches and categorical diagnosis-based approaches). Using these different but complimentary approaches, he will share a high-level overview of some recent empirical research findings from a range of studies related to cognition, health, wellbeing, and life experiences. These studies will be pieced together to create a broad picture of where support can be provided to improve the quality of life and outcomes of ageing autistic people, to ensure they live long and happy lives.
- Speaker: Dr Gavin R. Stewart, King’s College London
- Wednesday 21 May 2025, 11:30-12:30
- Venue: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87076030035?pwd=XUpJuh8jiR0mae1AhkV79qbg8MtlSM.1.
- Series: ARClub Talks; organiser: Simon Braschi.
Thu 15 May 09:00: Cambridge Information Theory Colloquium
There will be four talks. Details here: https://lsit2025.eng.cam.ac.uk/#programme
- Speaker: Speaker to be confirmed
- Thursday 15 May 2025, 09:00-13:00
- Venue: CMS, Room MR2.
- Series: Information Theory Seminar; organiser: Prof. Ramji Venkataramanan.
Tue 27 May 13:10: “Why we should stop talking about ‘Christians’ in connection with the New Testament”
Many people think of the New Testament as a set of Christian texts that provide information about the authors’ views on being Christian. There are problems with talking about “Christians” in connection with the New Testament, however. This talk will explore some of those problems, drawing on my research on the letters of the apostle Paul. It will discuss how reading through the lens of “Christians” can obscure the situation of women and enslaved persons in the ancient world. It will also explore how it may contribute to the phenomenon of accidental anti-Judaism among readers of the Bible today.
- Speaker: Dr Julia Snyder, Faculty of Divinity and Bye Fellow of Darwin College
- Tuesday 27 May 2025, 13:10-14:00
- Venue: Richard King room, Darwin College.
- Series: Darwin College Humanities and Social Sciences Seminars; organiser: Matthew Jones.
Wed 18 Jun 17:00: Towards the Development of a National Autism Suicide Prevention Resource Hub
Autistic adults have a three to five-fold elevated risk of premature death by suicide compared to the general population; in the United Kingdom Autistic people are now identified as a priority population for suicide prevention policy and practice. However, health and mental health professionals can lack confidence, training and resources to effectively support Autistic adults at risk of suicide. Our research program has involved collaboration with Autistic people to identify gaps in mental healthcare supports, develop lived experience led training for professionals, and co-develop adapted suicide screening and assessment measures. My talk will provide a broad overview of our research to date leading to the development of a new autism suicide prevention resource hub for healthcare professionals, which has included research collaboration with leading experts in the UK. Our goal is that this resource will provide health and mental health professionals with the skills and resources to enable them to better identify and support Autistic people with mental health concerns as well as risk of suicide.
- Speaker: Darren Hedley, La Trobe University
- Wednesday 18 June 2025, 17:00-18:00
- Venue: Adrian House Seminar Room (Trinity College).
- Series: ARClub Talks; organiser: Simon Braschi.
Wed 18 Jun 17:00: Towards the Development of a National Autism Suicide Prevention Resource Hub
Autistic adults have a three to five-fold elevated risk of premature death by suicide compared to the general population; in the United Kingdom Autistic people are now identified as a priority population for suicide prevention policy and practice. However, health and mental health professionals can lack confidence, training and resources to effectively support Autistic adults at risk of suicide. Our research program has involved collaboration with Autistic people to identify gaps in mental healthcare supports, develop lived experience led training for professionals, and co-develop adapted suicide screening and assessment measures. My talk will provide a broad overview of our research to date leading to the development of a new autism suicide prevention resource hub for healthcare professionals, which has included research collaboration with leading experts in the UK. Our goal is that this resource will provide health and mental health professionals with the skills and resources to enable them to better identify and support Autistic people with mental health concerns as well as risk of suicide.
- Speaker: Darren Hedley, La Trobe University
- Wednesday 18 June 2025, 17:00-18:00
- Venue: Adrian House Seminar Room (Trinity College).
- Series: ARClub Talks; organiser: Simon Braschi.
Tue 24 Jun 14:00: The statistical challenges in tackling persistent climate model uncertainty through model-observation comparisons. https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OWJjY2ViNjktOWZjMS00NGJmLWI5MTUtNTYxM2E5MTgyMTQ1%40thread.v2/0...
Abstract: The effects of aerosols on the Earth’s energy balance since pre-industrial times (aerosol radiative forcing) has significantly and repeatedly dominated the uncertainty in reported estimates of global temperature change from the IPCC . The magnitude of aerosol radiative forcing of climate over the industrial period is estimated to lie between about -2 and -0.4 W m-2, compared to a much better understood forcing of 1.6 to 2.0 W m-2 due to CO2 . In this seminar, past efforts to quantify the range of possible aerosol forcings predicted from an aerosol-climate model that are caused by parametric uncertainty, and to constrain that forcing uncertainty through model-observation comparison using extensive aerosol and cloud-based measurements from ships, flight campaigns, satellites and ground stations, will be discussed. We find that despite a very large reduction in plausible parameter space and reasonable constraint on observable properties, the observational constraint based on this comprehensive set of measurements only partially reduces the range of aerosol radiative forcings from our model. In the NERC project ‘Towards Maximum Feasible Reduction in Aerosol Forcing Uncertainty’ (Aerosol-MFR), several key statistical challenges highlighted from this work are being addressed in order to improve the model-observation comparison process for uncertainty constraint. This includes optimising the way observational constraints are applied, designing new approaches for reducing error compensation effects and using the PPE to identify and characterise model structural errors. Preliminary results from the project so far will be outlined, along with further plans to tackle this important problem.
Biography: Dr Jill Johnson is a Lecturer in Statistics in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Sheffield. Her research interests are in the development and practical application of statistical methods to quantify, assess and then reduce uncertainty in large-scale complex models of real-world systems, with a focus on problems in environmental science. Prior to joining Sheffield in August 2021, Jill worked as an applied statistician / research associate for over 8 years in the aerosol research group at the Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, University of Leeds, where her work focussed on the quantification and constraint of key uncertainties in models of the atmosphere and climate. Her current research builds on this work, including the NERC research project ‘Towards Maximum Feasible Reduction in Aerosol Forcing Uncertainty (Aerosol-MFR)’.
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OWJjY2ViNjktOWZjMS00NGJmLWI5MTUtNTYxM2E5MTgyMTQ1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2249a50445-bdfa-4b79-ade3-547b4f3986e9%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%228b208bd5-8570-491b-abae-83a85a1ca025%22%7d
- Speaker: Dr Jill S Johnson; School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK
- Tuesday 24 June 2025, 14:00-15:00
- Venue: Chemistry Dept, Unilever Lecture Theatre and Teams.
- Series: Centre for Atmospheric Science seminars, Chemistry Dept.; organiser: Yao Ge.
Tue 24 Jun 14:00: The statistical challenges in tackling persistent climate model uncertainty through model-observation comparisons.
Abstract: The effects of aerosols on the Earth’s energy balance since pre-industrial times (aerosol radiative forcing) has significantly and repeatedly dominated the uncertainty in reported estimates of global temperature change from the IPCC . The magnitude of aerosol radiative forcing of climate over the industrial period is estimated to lie between about -2 and -0.4 W m-2, compared to a much better understood forcing of 1.6 to 2.0 W m-2 due to CO2 . In this seminar, past efforts to quantify the range of possible aerosol forcings predicted from an aerosol-climate model that are caused by parametric uncertainty, and to constrain that forcing uncertainty through model-observation comparison using extensive aerosol and cloud-based measurements from ships, flight campaigns, satellites and ground stations, will be discussed. We find that despite a very large reduction in plausible parameter space and reasonable constraint on observable properties, the observational constraint based on this comprehensive set of measurements only partially reduces the range of aerosol radiative forcings from our model. In the NERC project ‘Towards Maximum Feasible Reduction in Aerosol Forcing Uncertainty’ (Aerosol-MFR), several key statistical challenges highlighted from this work are being addressed in order to improve the model-observation comparison process for uncertainty constraint. This includes optimising the way observational constraints are applied, designing new approaches for reducing error compensation effects and using the PPE to identify and characterise model structural errors. Preliminary results from the project so far will be outlined, along with further plans to tackle this important problem.
Biography: Dr Jill Johnson is a Lecturer in Statistics in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Sheffield. Her research interests are in the development and practical application of statistical methods to quantify, assess and then reduce uncertainty in large-scale complex models of real-world systems, with a focus on problems in environmental science. Prior to joining Sheffield in August 2021, Jill worked as an applied statistician / research associate for over 8 years in the aerosol research group at the Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science, University of Leeds, where her work focussed on the quantification and constraint of key uncertainties in models of the atmosphere and climate. Her current research builds on this work, including the NERC research project ‘Towards Maximum Feasible Reduction in Aerosol Forcing Uncertainty (Aerosol-MFR)’.
- Speaker: Dr Jill S Johnson; School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Sheffield, UK
- Tuesday 24 June 2025, 14:00-15:00
- Venue: Chemistry Dept, Unilever Lecture Theatre and Teams.
- Series: Centre for Atmospheric Science seminars, Chemistry Dept.; organiser: Yao Ge.
Tue 07 Oct 19:15: All models are wrong and yours are useless: making clinical prediction models impactful for patients
: Most published clinical prediction models are never used in clinical practice which leads to a huge gap between academic research and clinical implementation. Here, I propose a checklist to enable academic researchers to be proactive partners in improving clinical practice and to design models in ways that ultimately benefit patients. Over the years I have come to see academic papers not as ends in themselves, but as the beginning of the journey to clinical implementation, and I am frustrated with how little of my own work ever had clinical impact. I argue that you should outline the road to implementation whilst designing your prediction tool by thinking about what medical decisions they are making and how these tools can be used in routine practice. I will illustrate these ideas by discussing AI models from our work to find a minimally invasive alternative to endoscopy and looking at ways of assessing breast cancer survival rates after surgery that can be used in the clinic.
- Speaker: Florian Markowetz, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute
- Tuesday 07 October 2025, 19:15-21:30
- Venue: MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Chaucer Road, Cambridge.
- Series: Cambridge Statistics Discussion Group (CSDG); organiser: Peter Watson.
Mon 03 Nov 19:00: Benefits of data openness in a digital world
We are at a moment of extreme pessimism about data with news stories implicating social media and mobile phones in cyberespionage. To many this is a worrying state of affairs but are we worrying too much? In this talk I will argue that data openness and data-drive advertising are good things and are misunderstood. In particular data-driven advertising is not about controlling behaviour but involves targeting groups of people which brings economic benefits. Internet search data has been used to meet public health challenges such as providing insights into Zika and Ebola. I will argue we should be targeting the distribution of digital power rather than concerning ourselves with business models of particular companies.
- Speaker: Sam Gilbert, Bennett Institute for Public Policy
- Monday 03 November 2025, 19:00-21:00
- Venue: Venue to be confirmed.
- Series: Cambridge Statistics Discussion Group (CSDG); organiser: Peter Watson.
Wed 26 Nov 19:15: 100 years of educational trials – no significant difference?
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in education research have been carried out for over 100 years. Over the last 15 of these years their use has increased significantly. In this talk we examine the field of education research to address the key challenges faced by education trials today and possible solutions. Despite their growing use they have been subject to sustained and rather trenchant criticism from significant sections of the education research community. There are key areas in which RCTs require focus and improvement: in particular in recruitment and retention, implementation and outcome measures.
- Speaker: Riikka Hofmann, Faculty of Education
- Wednesday 26 November 2025, 19:15-21:00
- Venue: City House, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 1RY.
- Series: Cambridge Statistics Discussion Group (CSDG); organiser: Peter Watson.
Tue 03 Feb 19:15: Connecting the False Discovery Rate to shrunk estimates
Abstract not available
- Speaker: Nick W Galwey (Former Statistics Leader, Research Statistics, at GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development (Retired))
- Tuesday 03 February 2026, 19:15-21:00
- Venue: MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 7EF.
- Series: Cambridge Statistics Discussion Group (CSDG); organiser: Peter Watson.
Wed 04 Jun 14:00: The Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP) Biogeochemistry Project: Understanding the changing Southern Ocean carbon cycle
The Australian Antarctic Program Partnership (AAPP) is focused on understanding the nature and impacts of Southern Ocean Change. The Biogeochemistry Project, one of the seven complementary initiatives within the AAPP , combines observations, models and data syntheses to understand changes in the Southern Ocean carbon cycle. This work is undertaken in collaboration with other government agencies, national infrastructure programs, and academic institutions, and highlights the use of essential ocean observations and models to improve understanding and deliver impact. An overview of recent field programs will be presented, along with new work to quantify the uptake and storage of anthropogenic CO2 in the ocean, to validate estimates of ocean carbon export from autonomous platforms, and to improve model representation of air-sea CO2 exchange.
- Speaker: Elizabeth H. Shadwick, CSIRO Environment
- Wednesday 04 June 2025, 14:00-15:00
- Venue: BAS Seminar Room 1.
- Series: British Antarctic Survey - Polar Oceans seminar series; organiser: Dr Birgit Rogalla.
Wed 04 Jun 14:30: An Introduction to Neurodiversity
People will have increasingly heard the term Neurodiversity. Some may know what it means but many are still unsure or scared to ask. In my talk I try to explain the basics of Neurodiversity, dispell some common misconceptions and give some of my own experiences. I will also give you some ideas for how to accommodate Neurodivergent people and where to look for support.
Scott is an experienced battery scientist, science communicator, budding entrepreneur and Neurodiversity advocate. He has worked in academia, RTOs and an SME on a broad range of battery chemistries and applications. He is presently exploring his own ventures in a variety of sectors under the branding “Watts Up With…?”. Scott is Neurodivergent. He has Autism, Dyslexia and (pending diagnosis) ADHD . This combination of traits and experiences gives him a deep understanding of what it is like to be a Neurodivergent individual in academic/work environments.
- Speaker: Dr Scott Gorman
- Wednesday 04 June 2025, 14:30-15:30
- Venue: Unilever Lecture Theatre, Department of Chemistry.
- Series: Extra Theoretical Chemistry Seminars; organiser: Lisa Masters.
Thu 17 Jul 13:00: Title to be confirmed
Abstract
Stay tuned!
Bio
Stay tuned!
- Speaker: Julia Gschwind ETH Zurich, University of Cambridge
- Thursday 17 July 2025, 13:00-14:00
- Venue: Room GS15 at the William Gates Building and on Zoom: https://cl-cam-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/4361570789?pwd=Nkl2T3ZLaTZwRm05bzRTOUUxY3Q4QT09&from=addon .
- Series: Energy and Environment Group, Department of CST; organiser: lyr24.
Thu 26 Jun 13:00: Title to be confirmed
Abstract
Stay tuned!
Bio
Stay tuned!
- Speaker: Tom Ratsakatika, University of Cambridge
- Thursday 26 June 2025, 13:00-14:00
- Venue: Room GS15 at the William Gates Building and on Zoom: https://cl-cam-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/4361570789?pwd=Nkl2T3ZLaTZwRm05bzRTOUUxY3Q4QT09&from=addon .
- Series: Energy and Environment Group, Department of CST; organiser: lyr24.
Fri 16 May 15:00: Structural Response and Reuse Potential of Steel-timber Shear Connections
This presentation examines the structural response, disassembly, and reuse potential of steel-timber shear connections. It includes results from experiments and numerical simulations under various loading conditions. A detailed account of the complete deformation response and the main mechanical parameters of the tested shear connections for conventional and slim steel-timber floors is presented. Non-linear finite element simulations were carried out to validate the main numerical parameters for steel, timber, and interaction characteristics, and then used for parametric investigations. Based on the results and observations, code-modified expressions for evaluating stiffness and load resistance were proposed within the ranges considered and validated against a collated database. A constitutive model was developed to predict the full load-slip response of shear connections, which can be adopted for discrete non-linear modelling of connectors. A reuse potential testing protocol was developed to evaluate performance after cyclic loading and reassembly, and a modified separation damage index was introduced to quantify the circularity of these systems. A sensitivity study for the tested shear connections and other practical configurations for steel-timber floors was also carried out for evaluating the circularity of such systems.
- Speaker: Dan Bompa, University of Surrey, UK
- Friday 16 May 2025, 15:00-16:00
- Venue: CivEng Seminar Room (1-33) (Civil Engineering Building).
- Series: Engineering Department Structures Research Seminars; organiser: Shehara Perera.
Wed 26 Nov 14:30: Title to be confirmed
Abstract not available
- Speaker: Dr Roshan Kumar Maharana
- Wednesday 26 November 2025, 14:30-15:30
- Venue: Unilever Lecture Theatre, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry.
- Series: Theory - Chemistry Research Interest Group; organiser: Lisa Masters.
Wed 29 Oct 14:30: Title to be confirmed
Abstract not available
- Speaker: Dr Vittoria Sposini, University of Padova
- Wednesday 29 October 2025, 14:30-15:30
- Venue: Unilever Lecture Theatre, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry.
- Series: Theory - Chemistry Research Interest Group; organiser: Lisa Masters.