The Industrial Forum is a biennial event that showcases the research and teaching taking place here in the School of Computer Science. The 2008 Industrial Forum will take place on June 20th as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the ‘Baby’, the world’s first stored program computer designed and built at The University of Manchester.

The idea behind the Forum is to introduce the School of Computer Science and all its myriad activities to industrial partners. It is often the case that outside organisations are only aware of one aspect of our work and are unaware of the many ways in which industry and the school can form mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations in research, consultancy, secondments, staff development, internship programmes, graduate recruitment and syllabus creation.

The day started with an Industrial Advisory Board meeting. Part of our wider strategy of promoting engagement with industry, the Advisory Board is an opportunity for companies to learn more about recent curriculum innovations, comment on and shape curriculum development, and investigate opportunities for involvement in teaching based activities, graduate recruitment etc.

In the afternoon the school hosted a poster exhibition and drinks reception. Posters presented the research currently being carried out in the school plus some demonstrations. Academic staff were on hand discussing mutually beneficial ways in which collaboration could develop.

Medal Ceremony: A presentation of medals by the University of Manchester and the Computer Conservation Society to the original pioneers who were involved in designing and developing the ‘Baby’ took place prior to the Kilburn Lecture in Crawford House Lecture Theatre. These medals were awarded to the scientists celebrating their contribution to the pioneering work that has changed and shaped the world in ways that the first development team could hardly have imagined.

The Day was culminated in the Kilburn Lecture by Professor Steve Furber, followed by a buffet and 60th anniversary birthday party taking place here in the School.

The schedule of activities is as follows:

13:00 – 13:30: Lunch.

13:30 – 16:30: Industrial Advisory Board.

17:00 – 17:45: Industrial Forum, Research Poster Exhibition and Reception Drinks.

17:55 - 18:10: Medal Ceremony.

18:12 – 19:15: The Kilburn Lecture – ‘The Relentless March of the Microchip’ by Professor Steve Furber CBE.

19:30 – 22:00: Buffet and champagne reception.