IET & BCS Turing Lecture To Look To The Future Of The Internet

Global technology expert to highlight how early theories in the field of computing can unlock the future of the internet

This week, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), in conjunction with the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS), will launch its world-leading Turing lecture series at the Royal Institution in London. The lecture will explore how the dynamics of technology policy have significantly shaped the Internet and driven innovation.

‘The Internet Paradox: how bottom-up beat(s) command and control’ will premiere on Monday 23 February between 6-9pm, and will be given by Dr Robert Pepper, Vice president of Global Technology Policy at Cisco Corporation. The lecture can also be heard in other parts of the country during the week including Cardiff, Manchester and Belfast.

Dr Robert Pepper, a leading expert in his field, will pinpoint and explore the significant and relatively obscure decisions which have crucially shaped the Internet as the predominant driver of innovation today. He will discuss the technology and market trends, how the internet has developed and what could be in store for the future of the web.

Established in 1999, the Turing lectures series pays homage to the pivotal work of Alan Turing, a pioneer of the computing world. His concepts, which originate from the 1930’s, have been highly influential to the development of the computer and his algorithm can be found in all modern day models. Turing’s genius was also highlighted in 2014’s blockbuster movie The Imitation Game.

Commenting on his lecture, Dr Pepper said:
“Computers are a ubiquitous part of our daily lives and are crucial to the way we work, play and communicate with one another. It is our duty as experts and researchers in the field to explore and honour seminal work such as Turing’s.”

“In the upcoming IET & BCS Turing lecture I will explore how the next wave of the Internet – the Internet of Everything – builds on original theories and practices, and in doing so, is creating the next market transition. This lecture is an opportunity to explore Turing’s pioneering influence on the online world, and seek to predict what could be on the horizon.”

The lecture attracts a large volume of interest, and to make it easily accessible to a wider audience, the event will be streamed live for free via IET.tv.

The Turing Lecture is free for delegates and forms part of the IET’s Prestige Lecture series which showcases the latest ideas and technologies from a wide range of experts across a variety of disciplines.