Institute of Advanced Studies welcomes first visiting professor under its ‘Motion’ theme

The Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) will welcome Professor Richard Murray next week as part of its ‘Motion’ theme.

Professor Murray, from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), will be visiting Loughborough University and will present a lecture titled ‘Safety-Critical Autonomous Systems: What is Possible? What is Required?’on Wednesday 29 August at the West Park Teaching Hub.

His research focuses on the application of feedback and control to networked systems, with applications in biology and autonomy.

His current projects including analysis and design of biomolecular feedback circuits, synthesis of discrete decision-making protocols for reactive systems, and design of highly resilient architectures for autonomous systems.

Professor Murray’s work links to the sub-theme ‘Intelligent Mobility’, which aims to promote efficient and intelligent solutions for people mobility, such as autonomous vehicles.

The sub-theme is being led by Professor Wen-Hua Chen from the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering.

As part of Professor Richard Murray’s visit, he will also be spending time with the Intelligent Mobility and Autonomous Systems (IMAS) group, engaging with young academic staff and researchers for in-depth technical discussions about autonomous vehicle technologies and their social and economic implications.

The ‘Motion’ theme - led by Professor Chris Harwood from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences - will be holding its launch event, ‘Hot Topics in Motion’, later this year.

‘Motion’ will explore different concepts of motion in collaboration with high-profile international academics, extending beyond individual movement to encompass forms of transportation, assisted living, personal comfort, life course changes, performance and precision engineering.

Other academics who will be visiting the University later in the academic year to discuss the motion theme include Professor Cora Burnett (University of Johannesburg), Professor Eleni Chatzi (ETZ Zurich) and Professor Paul Wylleman (Vrije Universiteit Brussels).

Of the event series, Professor Harwood said: “This IAS initiative is a fantastic opportunity for Loughborough academics to learn from and partner with some of the most prominent academics in the world, and it is a pleasure for us to host Professor Murray as our first IAS scholar in the Motion theme.”

Professor Murray’s lecture will take place from 11am-12pm and is free to attend. Those who are interested in attending can register their place online.

The Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) aims to promote an outstanding, interdisciplinary research environment at Loughborough by supporting collaborations with leading international scholars from other institutions.

It brings high profile leading researchers to the campus to collaborate with University staff and host formal and informal events, such as public lectures, academic conferences and postgraduate workshops.