Students take stage at World Congress

Computer Science PhD students Diana Howard and Darren Gawley
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Tuesday, 26 February 2002

STUDENTS, staff and graduates of the University of Adelaide will take centre stage at the World Congress on Information Technology held in Adelaide this week (February 27 - March 1).

The World Congress brings together 1500 delegates from 45 countries to discuss key issues of IT.

Computer Science PhD students Diana Howard and Darren Gawley are among three young South Australians chosen to represent the "Voice of Youth" at the World Congress. The aim is to provide a youthful perspective on the future of IT, attend the congress and comment on topics raised.

Diana Howard, 23, holds a Bachelor degree in Computer Science with First Class Honours from the University of Adelaide. She has just started a PhD with the Department of Computer Science and is also studying for a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in history and philosophy.

On day one of the speaking program (11.30am Wednesday), Ms Howard has the lucky (and nerve-wracking) opportunity to follow the highest- profile speaker at the Congress, former US President Mr Bill Clinton.

"The calibre of the speakers and delegates attending the World Congress is simply awe-inspiring. It's an incredible honour to be attending the Congress and the kind of opportunity that comes once in a lifetime," Ms Howard says.

Darren Gawley, 24, speaks on day two of the Congress (8.10am Thursday). He says attending the event, and having the opportunity to speak to delegates, is a unique experience.

"It's an excellent opportunity to 'have the ear' of so many important people in the audience," he says.

Other key speakers at the World Congress include high-profile graduates and one of the University's most celebrated current staff members. They are:

• Dr Roger Brissenden, Manager of the Chandra X-ray Center at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US (Bachelor of Science degree with Honours, University of Adelaide)
• Mr Bob Bishop, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Silicon Graphics Inc (Bachelor of Science degree with Honours, University of Adelaide)
• Professor Grant Sutherland, Director of the Department of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, and Affiliate Professor at the University of Adelaide's Department of Paediatrics.

The University of Adelaide is an official sponsor of the World Congress on IT 2002.

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