Nobel Prizes
In mid-October, science media was abuzz with the latest Nobel Prize laureates. Of particular note was the prevalence of artificial intelligence in several of the winners’ works: a passing fad or a sign of things to come? That remains to be seen. But for now, we’ve spoken to several of ITMO’s resident experts in physics, chemistry, and medicine about the impact of each discovery on its field. Check them out below!
Research
In the scientific world, the importance of transitioning to alternative energy sources is an accepted fact. But how exactly could it happen – and where does artificial intelligence come into play? Dr. Jackson J. Justo has worked all over the world to answer just that question – and now finds himself in St. Petersburg as a member of the ITMO Fellowship program. ITMO.NEWS spoke to the researcher about his relentless work ethic, research plans, and, naturally, his impressions of the city.
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A robot that designs robots is hardly a new concept… but what if its original purpose was to play chess? A group of PhD students at ITMO have recently adapted the MCTS algorithm, known for its prowess at analyzing scenarios with multiple variables and “thinking ahead,” to instead simulate and analyze the performance of potential robotic systems. The program aced its task, completing within hours what usually takes a week.
Read more: ITMO PhD Students Train Chess-Playing Algorithm to Design Robots
Events
Eyes up: I Am a Professional, the annual competition for students of Russian universities, is about to begin its next season. In addition to sizable monetary prizes, the winners receive bonuses when applying to their next program. For two of this year’s three ITMO-curated tracks, we’ve prepared quick FAQs on how to apply, what to prepare for, and what you’ll get:
Hurry up and apply – the deadline is November 12!
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Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s racked up the most screen time of them all? In a world filled with every sort of screen, from old TVs to newfangled flexible phones, these devices become an integral part of the social fabric – and reflections of ourselves.
In a new exhibition by ITMO’s Art & Science Center and the cultural center Dom Radio, running until October 30 at ITMO’s AIR Gallery, artists from both institutions tackle the nature of screens. Utilizing every artistic medium, from VR to sculpture, they look at our relationship with technology and test the limits of the “screen” as a concept.
Read more: What Shapes Reality: New Screen-Centric Exhibition By ITMO’s Art & Science Center
