Virtual Interface Centre between Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science

在英国，数学、工程和信息通信技术（ICT）领域的学术研究往往包括非常不同的活动。数学中非常强调证明。数学是解决从现实中抽象出来的问题，也就是所谓的数学模型，它会导致需要“解决”的方程的形成，通常需要借助计算机来进行数字运算。工程中的“解决方案”通常包括使某些东西工作；将基础科学转化为技术。越来越多的工程处理系统，如运输网络或复杂的工业工厂。另一方面，信息通信技术在某种意义上是两极化的。理论计算机科学关注的是推导操作数据的聪明算法，并证明它们的工作速度有多快。另一方面，人工智能和机器人技术涉及建造智能机器来增强人类的能力。当今社会提出的研究挑战越来越需要这三种不同方法之间的重叠。例如，现代飞机代表了一个复杂的系统，它拥有强大的嵌入式计算机，无需飞行员干预就可以“通过电线飞行”。然而，在任何飞机被允许飞行之前，它必须通过数学认证，以证明飞行控制算法确实能够完成所需的工作。布里斯托大学在跨学科研究方面有着良好的记录，包括在数学、工程和信息通信技术之间架起桥梁的领域，例如非线性动力学和量子信息。然而，布里斯托尔大学在其他领域也有巨大的机会，在这些领域，布里斯托尔大学在不同的部门拥有重要的专业知识，但存在一种可感知的或实际的“差距”，这阻碍了相关研究人员的互动和追求共同的目标。该资助旨在通过关注四个特定研究领域为弥合这些差距提供框架：(A)不确定系统，(B)纯数学和算法，(C)媒体和材料，(D)计算科学。具体来说，将建立一个虚拟组织，一个接口中心来赞助连接活动。这些活动将包括一个专门的网络休息室，用于交流机会和帮助请求，与社会活动相关的探索日，研究开放日，员工借调，访问讲师，跨学科研究研讨会，以及高度集中的研究静修。布里斯托尔大学是西南地区最大的高等教育学院，位于政府宣布的“科学城”之一，与重点高科技产业和其他学术机构互动。它还在theetsquared的国际企业，在全球大学网络中发挥着关键作用。因此，拟议中的中心将充分利用这一地位，确保所有活动都有布里斯托尔以外的人参与。通过与大学的研究战略保持一致，该中心将在3年内实现自我可持续发展。

Academic research in the areas of Mathematics, Engineering and theInformation and Communication Technologies (ICT) within the U.K. tendto comprise very different kinds of activities. In mathematics thereis a strong emphasis on proof. Mathematics is about the solving ofproblems that abstract from reality, so-called mathematicalmodels, which leads to the formulation of equations which need to be`solved', often with the help of computers to do the numbercrunching. A `solution' in engineering often comprises makingsomething work; turning a piece of fundamental science intotechnology. Increasingly engineering deals with systems, such as atransport network or a complex industrial plant. ICT on the other handis in some sense bi-polar. Theoretical computer science concernsitself with the deriving clever algorithms for manipulating data, andproving how fast they will work. At the other end, artificialintelligence and robotics involve building clever machines thatenhance human capabilities. Increasingly, the research challengesthrown up by today's society require an overlap between these threeseparate approaches. For example, modern aeroplanes represent complexsystems with powerful embedded computers that `fly by wire' withoutthe pilot's intervention. However, before any plane is allowed to flyit must be certified using mathematics to prove that the flightcontrol algorithms really will do the required job.The University of Bristol has a strong track record ofinterdisciplinary research, including in areas that bridge the gapsbetween maths, engineering and ICT, e.g. in nonlinear dynamics, andin quantum information. However there are also huge opportunities inother areas where the University of Bristol holds significantexpertise within separate Departments, but there is a perceived orreal `gap' that prevents the relevent researchers from interacting andpursuing common goals. This grant aims to provide the framework forbridging these gaps by focussing on four specific areas of research:(A) Uncertain systems, (B) Pure Mathematics and Algorithms, (C) Mediaand materials, (D) Computational Science. Specifically, a virtualorganisation, an Interface Centre will be set up that sponsorsgap-bridging activies. These will include a dedicated web loungefor communication of opportunities and requests for help, exploratoryaway days linked to a social activity, research open days, staffsecondments, visiting lecturers, interdisciplinary research workshops,and highly focused research retreats.Bristol University is well placed as the largest Higher EducationInstitute in the South West region and is in one of the governmentannounced `Science Cities' to interact with key hightech industriesand other academic institutions. It also plays a key role within theSETsquared enterprise internationally, within the World WideUniversities Network. The proposed Centre will therefore make themost of this position, by ensuring that all activities haveinvolvement from those outside of Bristol. By aligning itself with theUniversity's research strategy the Center will achieveself-sustainability within 3 years.