Data experts Ted Dunning and Ellen Friedman visited the University to talk about the future of big data, real time analytics and best practice for planning large-scale computing projects. Over the course of the evening, the pair looked at some of the first instances of data-driven decisions from 19th Century US Navy expeditions, to the latest apps helping us shorten car journeys using real-time traffic data.

Ted and Ellen explained how these techniques can improve our ability to detect security threats and prevent fraud, provide better medical monitoring and greater efficiency in transportation. Their insightful lecture raised questions on how more data and better algorithms will shape the future of the internet, and the consequences of companies gathering data from customers.