Will Electric Professors Dream of Virtual Tenure?
The Chronicle of Higher Education
“The details of Singularity University, as the new institution will be called, are still being worked out — and so far the organizers are tight-lipped about their plans. But to hold such a discussion at all is a sign of growing acceptance that a new wave of computing technologies may be just ahead — with revolutionary implications for research and teaching.
“The idea that gave the new university its name is championed by Ray Kurzweil, an inventor, entrepreneur, and futurist who argues that by 2030, a moment — the “singularity” — will be reached when computers will outthink human brains….”
Continue reading ‘New Singularity University to be Based on ISU Model’
GOOGLE LUNAR X PRIZE PRESS RELEASE
The first ever Google Lunar X PRIZE Team Summit is a unique opportunity for official teams, potential teams and team members, government and industry experts, and potential suppliers and customers to meet and discuss the competition with each other and with key X PRIZE Foundation leaders. Over two days - May 20-21, 2008 - a series of workshops and panels will serve both to collect input from teams about the guidelines for the prize and to provide information that will help each team successfully bring their dreams to fruition.
Summit events and panel topics will include:
- Rules and Guidelines Workshop
- Lessons Learned from Historical Lunar Missions
- Launch and Communications
- Future Customers
- Team Announcement Media Event
The Google Lunar X PRIZE is an international competition—so what host venue could be better than the campus of the International Space University? Located just outside of Strasbourg, France, ISU provides an excellent working environment—as well as beautiful tourist sites for attendees to enjoy after the sessions are over.
Continue reading ‘ISU to Host Google Lunar X Prize Team Summit in May’
Famed science and science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke died at his home in Sri Lanka today at the age of 90. Perhaps best known as the co-author of the 1968 movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, the British-born visionary wrote more than 100 books about space, science and the future.
Clarke is credited with conceiving the idea for the geosynchronous communication satellite in 1945, about 20 years before they become practical. He envisioned satellites orbiting at approximately 22,300 miles, which allows them to match the orbit of the Earth and thus remain fixed over the same spot. These are also known as Clarke orbits.
He later helped inspire Robert Richards, Todd Hawley and Peter Diamandis to found the International Space University. Clarke served as chancellor of the Strasbourg-based graduate school.
Arthur C. Clarke was a giant in fields of space, science and science fiction. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Arthur.
Coverage
BBC News: Story, Tribute by Patrick Moore, 1985 Interview, Clips from 2001
Bloomberg.com: Story with biographical information
Daily Telegraph (England): Obituary
