Blog: Talk "Societal Computing - Computing of and for Society" @ SFU Conference


On the 8th of November, Ingmar explored the emerging field of societal computing, which combines computer-enabled methods to study social issues and support societal progress in his talk at the Saint Francis University "Expanding Potential and Caring for All" conference in Hongkong. 

He illustrated this through examples of tracking population movements, analyzing digital gender gaps, and mapping poverty. By leveraging data from sources like social media and satellite imagery, societal computing provides new insights into complex social dynamics, from migration trends to infrastructure needs.

The presentation emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of societal computing, bridging fields like computer science, social science, and humanitarian work. He also discussed the challenges of interdisciplinary research, including data limitations, ethical considerations, and the need for respect across fields. His work demonstrates how technology can play a pivotal role in addressing global issues, offering valuable tools for policymakers and NGOs in their missions to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.




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