AI and data intensive science: James Fergusson

Welcome to Voices of Mathematics, a podcast from the Mathematics Faculty at the University of Cambridge. From number theory and geometry to cosmology and quantum physics, join us to explore topics across pure and applied mathematics, mathematical statistics and theoretical physics. In this episode we talk to James Fergusson, Professor of Theoretical Cosmology in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. James is also the Executive Director of the University of Cambridge's innovative new Master's programme in Data Intensive Science, and the Director of the Infosys-Cambridge AI Centre. Fergusson's innovative collaboration with Infosys, a global consulting company and leader in next-generation digital services, is an outstanding example of how the University and industry can collaborate on cutting edge research with real impact and benefits for both sectors. "Out of our conversations with Infosys, we realised that a lot of the research challenges we have [in academia] are very similar to the challenges that large enterprises have," says Fergusson. "One of the really interesting things we are talking to companies about is how do you take these ideas from research and build them into robust, reliable systems that can be widely used."  As well as exploring the potential of what AI can do in industry, Fergusson is also key in equipping the next generation of researchers through an innovative Master's programme: the University of Cambridge's MPhil in Data Intensive Science. Rather than a more traditional Master's course which focuses on one specific subject, Fergusson says the MPhil is intended to be more like vocational training, giving students the full package of skills that researchers in this field will need.  "My hope is that people who come to us on this Master's take the great training they have from their undergraduate courses, and then use this vocational training on how to use these cutting-edge tools to drive the next round of exciting breakthroughs," he says.  We talked to James to learn more about the potential of AI to drive forward scientific discovery, how industry and academia can work together, and training the researchers of the future through the MPhil in Data Intensive Science.   The podcast is hosted by Marianne Freiberger and Rachel Thomas, Editors of Plus, from the communications and outreach team at the Mathematics Faculty.   To find out more about topics mentioned in this podcast see: Our accompanying article Building bridges between academia and industry The University of Cambridge's MPhil in Data Intensive Science Discover more about the University of Cambridge Faculty of Mathematics at maths.cam.ac.uk.