Birmingham City University : Grandfather of Virtual Reality visits University

Professor Tom Furness earned the unofficial title due to his outstanding contribution to the advancement of the field. Professor Furness, who is a Research Scientist at the Human Interface Technology Lab at the University of Washington, Seattle will be giving a talk at the University’s regular Creative Networks event.

Professor Furness has lectured widely and written numerous articles associated with human interaction with complex machines and the use of virtual interfaces. He has made television appearances on CBS, BBC, CNN, ABC, NBC science programmes. His current research involves the development of affordable virtual interface technologies for industry and consumers with applications in medical imaging, virtual  prototypin g, prostheses for the disabled, virtual classrooms and televirtuality.

The Professor’s research interests centre upon developing tools that engage, enlighten and entertain people. Dave Taylor who organised the talk in Birmingham said: “Fearing that technology may be causing more problems than it is solving, Tom’s work concentrates on making the world a better place by the enlightened use of technology, bringing minds together to solve problems.”

Birmingham City University is increasingly involved in the use of virtual environments for a number of applications. The University is currently working with a range of companies from the building sector to utilise virtual buildings for ‘intelligent construction’ which will help to allow for environmental and sustainable design of buildings and their usage. In these and other areas the University is heavily engaged with Digital Birmingham to expand Birmingham’s influence as a digital city and to be a leader in next generation services.

Professor Furness’ talk will form part of the next Creative Networks event which is being held on Thursday 25 March 2010, 6pm until 9.00pm at Birmingham City University, Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

The event is free and open to public; anyone who wants to attend should reserve a place by emailing creative.networks@bcu.ac.uk or by calling Dave Taylor on 0121 331 5400. Alternatively, you can register online at www.creativenetworksonline.com