Category Archives: government

2019 SG:D Immersive Analytics @ PIXEL

This talk is for anyone interested in data analysis, data exploration, immersion or using data to solve problem in-situ, in real-time rather than after the event away from the sources of the data. This talk is about Immersive Analytics, an emerging field of research and development which seeks a deeper engagement with the analysis and data in an immersive sense in virtual or augmented reality.

13th June, 06:00 PM-08:30 PM, PIXEL Singapore

What is it about?
This talk introduces and discusses many examples of immersion, data analysis and hence immersive analytics.
The first thing to understand is that there are many meanings of the term “immersive” alongside different approaches to analytics. There are two primary facets related to the term immersive analytics. The first, and more literal aspect, is to be immersed or submerged in the data and analytic task. This gives rise to the examination of the range of human senses, modalities and technologies which might allow one to have their various senses fully immersed. A second facet, is the provision of computational analysis methods which facilitate a deep mental involvement with the task and data. Smooth interaction with the data and analytic task might allow people to concentrate and focus their attention, allowing them to enter a “flow state” which affords them the depth of thought required to be fully immersed.

Apr 2008 Belfast Agreement, 10th Anniversary Event

I’ve been invited to attend an event early this month in Belfast Agreement to mark the 10th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement. In addition to the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Senator Mitchell, others who will participate include General John de Chastelain, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, John Hume, Mark Durkan, M.P., MLA, Gerry Adams, M.P., MLA, Sir Reg Empey, MLA, David Andrews, Liz O’Donnell, Paul Murphy, M.P., Monica McWilliams, Lord Alderdice, Dawn Purvis, MLA, and David Adams.

Hosted by the US Ireland Alliance, it’s an event I’m looking forward to as they will have 100 alumni of the George J. Mitchell Scholarship program and other young leaders from across Ireland.

May 2006 Pervasive 2006 State Reception

Best Paper Award Pervasive 2006
4th International Conference on Pervasive Computing State Reception hosted by Minister of State Tom Kitt in Dublin Castle who gave this welcoming speech which I helped to write and awarded the best paper prize. Minister Kitt was introduced by Philip Nolan, UCD registrar.

Thank you very much for your generous welcome. In particular, I would like to thank the hosts of this prestigious event – The Systems Research Group, in University College Dublin – and, indeed, all the corporate partners that have made this event possible.

It is interesting, I think, that so many people from Ireland – academia and our public and private sectors – have come together to support the conference – and to engage with their international counterparts in exploring this fascinating concept – Pervasive Computing. I am delighted that Ireland is hosting this conference. It is fair to say – I think – that modern Ireland is a very good fit for this event – both in terms of logistics – and in our closeness to the central theme of the conference – integrating ICT into the everyday environment.

It is a particuar pleasure for me to have been invited to speak this evening – because, as Minister for the Information Society – I have a keen interest in how technology can be applied – how and where they can add value – how they can enhance productivity – and, I suppose, how they can improve the quality of life….

[Read Full Speech]