Disturb: interfere with the normal arrangement or functioning of Question: the raising of a doubt about or objection to something Evolve: develop gradually to a more complex form Symposium: a drinking party or convivial discussion
What is the DQE Symposium?
The DQE Symposium* is an informal seminar designed to spur cross-pollination of ideas in the Center and to foster creativity by challenging faculty and research staff with each other’s concepts and viewpoints.
How does it work?
For each DQE a CIS member (faculty or research staff) will facilitate the symposium. They are encouraged to begin the symposium by presenting something different and challenging from their research interests. The idea is to talk about a topic that the facilitator is passionate about (e.g., an upcoming research project or a research project they would love to do in the future). Emphasis is on informality, vision, inspiration, and potential for thought-provoking collegial interchange. In particular, the facilitator is encouraged to consider the following questions when preparing for the symposium:
Why should I fear the selected topic?
Why should I rejoice that it is being addressed?
What should I tell my mom about it?
What’s the most interesting discovery or insight on the topic?
What’s the most recent discovery or insight on the topic?
The facilitator will make a brief introductory presentation on the topic (20 minutes or less) after which the floor is opened for discussion and debate for the remaining time (about 40 minutes). Symposium participants are encouraged to challenge ideas in the presentation, make connections to other topics or research areas, or contribute anything else they want.
Who should come to the DQE Symposium?
Currently the DQE Symposium is limited to CIS faculty, extended faculty, and research staff. Assuming success and interest, it is hoped to open it up to a wider audience including graduate students in the future. You are particularly encouraged to attend when the topic is something not closely related to your current area of research.
Why are these topics so disturbing?
Because they should violate the status quo, and unsettle us from our comfortable concepts of science, technology, and academia. If there aren’t revolutionary consequences to our work and collaborations, then why are we doing it and why is there a Center for Imaging Science.
How often will DQE Symposia happen?
There will be a DQE symposium alternate weeks on Tuesdays at 4:00PM in the Carlson Learning Center). Symposia will be held in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 of each quarter.
Will there be refreshments?
Only if the facilitator provides them (hint, hint)!
What’s the next topic?
See the schedule below and click on the links for additional background resources.
How can I volunteer to lead the symposium?
The facilitators for each week are randomly assigned. If you would like to lead a discussion, find a week on the schedule with no topic listed and contact that facilitator to see if you can fill their randomly-assigned spot.
Intrigued?
For more information please contact the DQE Symposium Coordinator.
*Modeled after the Dangerous Ideas Seminars at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
