Professor Hassan Ugail, a mathematician and a computer scientist

The Maldives Science Society has successfully held a science presentation. The presentation which was based on the recent scientific advances in realistic computer simulations was delivered by the eminent Bradford-University-based mathematician and scientist Professor Hassan Ugail. The presentation was held at the MCSE Seminar Room on 30 may 2010 at 8:30 pm.

Professor Ugail’s presentation was a graphic mix of cutting edge science and advanced mathematical modeling _ agreeably diluted for the general public _ and was well-received by an audience of a broad bandwidth of interests, including students from many schools. At the end of the presentation, Professor Ugail entertained a host of questions from an inquisitive audience.

Professor Ugail’s principal interests are in the areas of geometric design, computer-based physical analysis and Simulation Based Design. He is a member of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council [EPSRC] and also a peer reviewer for the several related journals and conferences in his field of research.

Professor Ugail’s presentation was a graphic mix of cutting edge science and advanced mathematical modeling

Professor Hassan Ugail, PhD is a mathematician and a computer scientist at the School of Informatics; the University of Bradford. He is the first Maldivian to obtain a PhD in Mathematics. He is also the first Maldivian to receive professorship in the field of Science.

The Maldives Science Society has made plans to hold a science presentation on 30 May 2010. The presentation will be held at the MCSE Seminar Room at 8:30 pm.

The presentation, which is in fact a lecture, is centered around the recent scientific advances in the development of realistic computer based simulations that mimic natural phenomena.

The lecture is delivered by the mathematician and computer scientist Professor Hassan Ugail from the School of Informatics, University of Bradford.

Professor Ugail’s principal interests are in the areas of geometric design, computer-based physical analysis and design optimisation that falls under Simulation Based Design. He is a member of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council [EPSRC] peer review college and also a peer reviewer for the several related journals and conferences in his field of research. This is what Professor Ugail has to say on the forthcoming lecture:

‘This lecture will focus on the recent scientific advances in developing realistic computer-based simulations to mimic various phenomena that occur in the real world. A major issue associated in creating truly believable computer-based simulations is related to a phenomenon called the “Uncanny Valley” which relates to how humans observe and react to such simulations. Climbing out of the Uncanny Valley _ and towards perfect realism in a virtual world _ is the biggest challenge to overcome in such computer simulations [e.g. Computer graphics and animation]. In fact this is now considered to be one of the holy grails in computer science. The lecture will present how Visual Computing techniques will help to climb out of the Uncanny Valley, and will discuss some of the major ground-breaking scientific discoveries that would follow.’

Thomas Goodey, Mathematician and scientist.

The Maldives Science Society has held a stargazing event especially aimed at school students titled ‘STARGAZE with Astronomers Without Borders’. The event which was held on 18 February 2010 at Lale International School in Hulhumale’ was attended by a significant number of students from 11 schools. The event was held in affiliation with Astronomers Without Borders and was co-hosted by Lale International School.

Thomas Goodey handing over a Galileoscope to a school student.

The event was marked by the Maldives Science Society’s donation of 11 Galileoscopes to 11 schools. The donations were handed out by the British mathematician and scientist Thomas Goodey who had been staying in the Maldives since a few days before the 2010 annular solar eclipse _ he was a key figure in the pendulum experiments conducted in the Maldives in connection with the eclipse. In the event Thomas Goodey also briefed the students on aspects of astronomy _ its origins and evolution _ and the use of telescopes. He also commented on our propitious location straddling the equator and how this contributes towards stargazing and other projects relating to astronomy. The Maldives Science Society’s screening of the science documentary ‘Eyes on the Sky‘ and the Maldives Open Source Society’s demonstration of the astronomy software ‘Stellarium‘ were also key highlights of the event.

The stargazing session which was cancelled due to unfavorable weather conditions and which was originally planned to be a part of the event is now scheduled to take place in the new future. The Maldives Science Society says this will give students a chance to see celestial objects and phenomena up close.