The Web Science Observatory – The Challenges of Analytics over Distributed Linked Data Infrastructures

A paper by Wendy Hall, Thanassis Tiropanis, Ramine Tinati, Xin Wang, Markus Luczak-Rösch and Elena Simperl on Web Observatories. The opportunities for Big Data analytics are discussed, as well as the challenges, including the balance between fewer machines and data sets giving high performance on the one hand and a large number of distributed, diverse data sets potentially giving lower performance on the other hand.

→ http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/361437/1/ERCIM-69_p29-30.pdf

Seme4 and Ethos Smart announce collaboration to provide Linked Data platforms for Smart Cities

A “Smart City” uses technology to enhance its physical infrastructure, with the aim of improving services, increasing revenues and making efficiency savings.

Seme4 will provide the semantic web and linked data expertise while Ethos Smart will provide the systems integration & service provision.

Tim Organ, Chief Executive Officer of Seme4, said:
“We welcome the opportunity to work with Ethos Smart in developing solutions to meet the vision of Smart City initiatives in the UK.” Adrian Ulisse, Managing Director of Ethos Smart, said: “I am excited about partnering with Seme4, which will support our strategy of creating, aggregating and publishing new data sets using globally scalable city digital platforms that are purposed to make real differences to citizens’ lives.”

Wendy Hall and Nigel Shadbolt awarded RISE fellowships

The RISE (Recognising Inspirational Scientists and Engineers) campaign was set up by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering to mark the 20th anniversary of the EPSRC.

It was launched by the UK Science Minister David Willetts. He said: “It’s important to celebrate and champion our leading scientists and engineers who are vital to both society and our economy. Their research has a real impact across a range of sectors, from manufacturing to financial services.”

The CEO of the EPSRC, Professor David Delpy, was chair of the appointing panel. He said: “One of the best aspects of my job at EPSRC has been the chance to meet and speak directly to some of the most exciting, innovative and enthusiastic scientists and engineers in the UK. This campaign gives us the chance to recognise these outstanding individuals, but also to let others get to know them and the great research that they are doing.”

Wendy Hall wins Everywoman lifetime achievement award

Professor Dame Wendy Hall was presented with a special lifetime achievement award for being one of the most influential woman in I.T. in the U.K. and for her championing of women in I.T.

In her acceptance speech she said: “Computing is too important to leave it to men. The lack of women is as much a man’s issue as it is a woman’s, because there is an unconscious bias everywhere. Men have to make a sacrifice: When you’re asked to speak on a panel and you see it is an all-male panel, question where the women are and sacrifice your place for a female speaker instead.”

Everywoman is a global organisation that champions the advancement of women. It provides networking opportunities, training programmes and advice to women in both business and public sector organisations.

The power of Open Data

Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt gives a presentation and is interviewed (at the 1 hour and 30 minutes point of the video) at the CeBit global conference held in Hanover, Germany on the 11th of March. He discusses individual rights and governmental responsibilities in relation to personal data, the U.K. Open Data Institute and the power of Open Data to provide information which can help governments and companies improve services and products.

→ http://www.tvonweb.de/kunden/dmag/cebit2014/cgc2014/11032014/index.html

The reality and risks of cyber security

Professor Dame Wendy Hall on the Agenda show on German international broadcast channel Deutsche Welle, arguing for the need for a human rights charter relating to the Internet, detailing individuals’ and organisations’ rights and responsibilities. Other guests on the show include Vice-President of the European Commmission, Neelie Kroes, CEO of the Big data company Datameer, Stefan Groschupf and CEO of the securities company Giesecke & Devrient, Dr. Walter Schlebusch.

→ http://www.dw.de/agenda-agenda-special-from-cebit-global-conferences-2014-03-11/e-17444433-9798