The public lecture series “Sustainability in Computer Science” continues on October 14, 2024.

René Mayrhofer, Head of the Institute of Networks and Security at the JKU Linz, will give a talk on “Computer Science Between Energy Savings and Waste: From Videoconferencing to Blockchain”.

Abstract

Digital information and communication services offer the potential for significant energy savings: video conferencing instead of trans-continental flight, file transfer and streaming instead of shipping physical media, or cryptocurrency instead of transporting gold and paper money. But what is the real energy balance of these digital options? In this talk, we try to quantify such comparisons based on estimates of the energy consumption of various digital services.

Join us

Whether you’re a student, a professional looking to expand your knowledge, or a citizen interested in sustainability issues – this lecture series is open to anyone. Switch on your laptop and join us!

About Lecture Series “Sustainability in Computer Science”

With climate change rapidly advancing, Sustainability is no longer an option, but a must. Targeting economic, social, and ecological issues through sustainable development has to become our top priority - a priority that’s underpinned by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Computer Science (CS), and more recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI), has been hailed as the solution to many sustainability problems (and yes, it is!). Still, ensuring energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions are crucial to guarantee the responsible and equitable use of our reseources. The relationship between informatics and sustainability has two key dimensions: Sustainability with CS, often called “Computational Sustainability,” and Sustainability for CS, also known as “Sustainable CS.”

This Public Lecture Series is the first of its kind in Austria, with all Austrian CS departments and faculties participating under the auspices of Informatik Austria. After a successful first iteration, the lecture series will continue this fall. We want to raise awareness for the importance of Sustainability in CS, demonstrate research solutions to various problems, and trigger developments for a sustainable future.

The lecture series will be held in the winter semester 2024/2025, every Monday from 17:00-18:00. All lectures will be offered online and will be recorded. We also have one hybrid lecture which will be held on-site at TU Wien and online on November 4, 2024.

Students from participating universities can register to get credits for the series. Please refer to your respective institution for registration.

TU Wien students can register for VU 194.155 “Sustainability in Computer Science” via TISS. Depending on your study program, the lecture series is a free elective or a “Wahlpflichtfach”; please refer to TISS for further information.

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