Novel Computing workshop

This event ran in July 2022, and subsequently three research awards were granted to cross-institutional, interdisciplinary teams.

The Research Challenge
Computing, in all its forms, is constantly evolving to address the needs and demands of a diverse community of users. Understanding trends in novel computing, their potential use and application, and how different communities engage with these developments is essential to maintain competitive advantage and guide efforts to support the development of an equal, inclusive, and diverse society.

The workshop will stimulate discussion on these issues with a view to subsequently inviting research proposals for funding. It is essential that the EDI principles are embedded within the proposed project intent, operation, and delivery. We will monitor and manage applications to attend the workshop to reflect a broad EDI composition of delegates.
Indicative topics for discussion at the workshop included research with a national security focus, on:

  • Future computing market/community analysis: Usability/adoption/impacts/needs skills/challenges/values/EDI: What are the emerging problem domains?
  • Future Sustainability and security in digital technologies
  • Efficient and scalable software frameworks for novel architectures and their interoperability
  • Truth and democracy: wider considerations in emerging sociotechnical domains
  • Where society and technology might go/is going?
    • Scenarios, narratives, outcomes …
    • Rival visions: not just western perspectives (e.g., money v control, etc)

While the aim of the workshop was to develop broad multi-disciplinary perspectives and insights in the domain of Novel Computing, some grounding in the technology domain is useful. A non-exhaustive, indicative list of technical foci is included at the end of this document.

Following the workshop proposals will be invited for consideration of initial funding from collective consortia, spanning the partnership. These proposals should view this as initial funding, with potential for continued funding, in subsequent years to continue relevant outcomes and activity that match the ongoing needs of the agency.

Format

The workshop will include presentations, time for networking and discussion around the topics and themes, and brainstorming/mind mapping activity to develop initial collaborations and concepts for potential proposals.
Criteria for selection to attend the workshop will pay particular attention to those that:

  • Actively and consciously reflect individuals who are underrepresented in the workforce to ensure attendees represent a diverse range of perspectives.
  • Represent those that are less experienced in this area/field.

Each submission was assessed against its alignment to the workshop topics, and potential for contribution to constructive discussion in an inclusive and multi-disciplinary setting.
To ensure inclusivity throughout the event we ask that attendees will:

  • Help to develop and maintain a trusted environment for open discussion.
  • Show respect for all participants and their perspectives
  • Actively seek out and listen to all viewpoints
  • Speak up and volunteer their own opinions