Dr. David Armstrong Added to Open Data Science Conference Europe Keynote Lineup

It’s not often that humans discover a new planet, let alone 50 at once. And when we do discover one, it’s often through satellites, telescopes, and other traditional means. Recently, however, 50 planets were discovered via a machine learning algorithm largely written by Dr. David Armstrong from the University of Warwick Department of Physics – and we’re happy to announce that he has been added to our already impressive lineup of keynote speakers for Open Data Science Conference – Europe 2020.

[Related article: A Look Into ODSC Europe 2020 Focus Areas]

Machine learning and AI are seldom used in astronomy, and this massive discovery is surely the starting point for future use. Dr. Armstrong’s ML algorithm used a selection of potential exoplanets and created a machine learning-based process to detect real planets and identify false positives, “calculating the probability of each candidate to be a true planet.” This research was led by Dr. Armstrong alongside his team at the University of Warwick and The Alan Turing Institute.

Dr. Armstrong leads a unique life in the world of AI. Largely studying astrophysics, Dr. Armstrong applies machine learning techniques to astrophysical problems. Recently this has included the automatic selection of real candidates in transiting planet surveys, as well as creating fast detection and classification tools for eclipsing binaries and variable stars in the K2 survey.

He also works as an academic co-lead of Warwick’s Habitability GRP, a new initiative at Warwick aimed at promoting multi-disciplinary research in habitability, and is involved with the Centre for Exoplanets and Habitability. Their current projects include analyses of galactic habitability, dynamical and biological constraints on panspermia, and the stability of DNA in non-Earth environments.

Dr. Armstrong joins the already inspiring Open Data Science Conference Europe Keynote lineup who will be presenting at ODSC Europe 2020 this September 17-19. 

• Dr. Lora Aroyo: Research Scientist, Professor in Computer Science | Google, Columbia University
• Dr. Iain Brown: Head of Data Science | SAS UK&I
• Luc De Raedt, PhD: Director, Professor | Leuven.AI | KU Leuven
• John Shawe-Taylor, PhD: Chair in AI, Professor | CSML, University College London
• Afsaneh Asaei, PhD: Head of Artificial Intelligence / Digital Product School | UnternehmerTUM
• Luc Moreau, PhD: Professor of Computer Science and Head of the Department of Informatics | King’s College

You can read more about each of the keynotes in our previous article here.

Ready to hear these amazing speakers live? Check out the Open Data Science Virtual Conference this September 17-19 and learn all of the skills you need to get ahead in the world of AI.