UCL Computer Science student showcase at IBM

15 teams of UCL master’s students presented leading-edge proofs of concept to senior managers at the Innovation Studio at IBM’s London offices. These ideas showed the many ways that computer systems are a boon for people and the planet. 

Collaboration was a theme common to several projects, whether that was enabling medical staff or corporate employees to work better together. Many concepts were advancing assistive technology. Others were educational tools, an explainer for quantum computing, for example. Fun was a focus, creating games within workspace apps to boost social interactions and, consequently, the mental health of people working remotely. One environmental approach used AI to help robots identify weeds within fields of crops, enabling farmers to use fewer pesticides. Another empowered people to monitor their computer’s energy usage, encouraging them to reduce their carbon footprint. 

The MSc in Computer Science is intended for those without a computing degree, so students come from diverse backgrounds. The MSc in Software Systems Engineering is designed for graduates in Computer Science to further enhance their large systems design and team-based engineering capabilities. They are supported by UCL academics and mentors from the technology industry, including IBM. 

Female students headed up the majority of the teams presenting at the event, and it was the first time many had been in a leadership role. The UCL Computer Science department has been striving for better gender representation in computing for over a decade. The department has won a number of awards for its efforts, including from Athena SWAN, a gender equality framework used across the higher education sector.

Zuzanna Sosnowska, who is working on an assistive technology project, enthused about her MSc Computer Science course: 

“It’s great to see so many women on my course and so many female lecturers too. I love that UCL is so progressive. 

“It’s been a challenging year, where I’ve learnt a lot and met amazing people who have given me so much advice. There have been lots of opportunities to work on exciting projects like this one, where I’ve focused on accessibility. I even visited a school to see how kids who need assistive tech use it on a daily basis.”

Shalini Sethuraman, studying MSc Software Systems Engineering, is leading a team working on the 2023 iteration of the UCL Holorepository, software which generates CT and MRI scans as 3D holograms. The software also enables clinical teams to discuss 3D printing models and annotate 3D models over MS Teams. Shalini said: 

“The project enables NHS clinicians to cooperate remotely when looking at 3D versions of medical images. I’ve had a really good time working on the project. We’re constantly in touch with our client mentors, so we’ve had a lot of support. I’m enjoying myself. It’s my first time leading a team, and it’s going well.”  

IBM is a long-standing partner of UCL Computer Science. IBM provides expertise and access to technology and supports students on groundbreaking projects alongside collaborators such as the NHS. 

Professor John McNamara, a Master Inventor at IBM, who arranged the event, said:      

“The IBM Innovation Studio in York Road was host to an extraordinary display of creativity, design, innovation and technical execution, as the UCL students we have mentored with IBM SkillsBuild over the past few weeks gave their mid-project reviews.  

“IBMers, including Vice President Lydia Logan, were treated to project showcases around the application of design with cutting-edge technology to address some of society’s most pressing challenges. An exceptional day that left everyone who attended inspired. Kudos and congratulations to the teams.”

Lydia Logan, IBM VP of Global Education and Workforce Development, spoke at the event. Lydia thanked the students for presenting their “brilliant ideas for impressive projects using IBM technologies, including SkillsBuild and the Design Thinking Process”. Lydia continued: 

“We have expanded the use of our AI products for universities. As soon as they’re ready, we’ll ensure they are accessible and you have exciting things to work on. 

“We believe that AI in the hands of young people, such as yourselves, will be solving some of the most critical problems both for clients and for society, so we’re excited to see what you’ll be able to do.”

UCL Computer Science would like to thank IBM for hosting the event and for their continued support.