Ladderworks is a publishing company of diverse picture books and educational initiatives with the mission to empower over a million kids and youth to become social entrepreneurs and advance the SDGs. Our current series features interviews by our interplanetary journalist Spiffy with inspiring Changemakers who are using Artificial Intelligence to help advance the UN SDGs.

Spiffy here! I’m back with the scoop on the entrepreneurial leaders of Planet Earth. As the only interplanetary journalist stationed on this blue planet, I’m thrilled to present this galactic exclusive with Richard Bowden, professor of computer vision and machine learning at the University of Surrey. Let’s see what he is doing to make a positive impact in the world.

Spiffy: Welcome Rich. Let’s jump right in. Can you tell me what challenge are you addressing through the University of Surrey?

Rich: Thanks for having me, Spiffy. At the University of Surrey, we are working to address accessibility for Deaf people.

Spiffy: That’s very inspiring! What motivates you to do it?

Rich: Fundamentally, I like solving problems, but providing automatic and computation approaches to understanding and producing sign language is something that has become a major part of my work.

Spiffy: Wow! What would you say is the impact of your work?

Rich: Our work aims to reduce the cost of providing sign language translation and, in doing so, to provide accessible content for Deaf people for whom sign language is their primary language.

Spiffy: That's amazing! Tell me about a recent milestone or initiative of yours. What impact does that make?

Rich: We have developed several key technologies that are having a positive impact on Deaf people. Examples are in the transport sector and also websites. But others are in development.

Spiffy: Is there anything else you would love to tell our audience?

Rich: Learning sign language is fun and interesting. I'd encourage more people to learn it, even if it's just a little.

Spiffy: Thanks for speaking with me today, Rich—it’s been an honor!

Richard Bowden is the professor of computer vision and machine learning at the University of Surrey, where he leads the Cognitive Vision Group within the Centre for Vision, Speech, and Signal Processing. His research centers on the use of computer vision to locate, track, and understand humans. (Nominated by Ricki Meyer at Google.org. First published on the Ladderworks website on December 16, 2024.)

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Ladderworks LLC.

© 2024 Ladderworks LLC. Edited by Sujit Kunte. Spiffy’s illustration by Shreyas Navare. For the Ladderworks digital curriculum to help K-3 kids advance the UN SDGs, visit Spiffy's Launchpad: Creative Entrepreneurship Workshops for K-3 Kids and their caregivers here.

Ladderworks creates diverse picture books and educational initiatives with the mission to empower over a million kids and youth to become social entrepreneurs and advance the SDGs. Our current series features interviews by our interplanetary journalist Spiffy with inspiring changemakers, who are advancing the SDGs through Artificial Intelligence. 

Hello, dear readers! Spiffy here with the scoop on the entrepreneurial leaders of Planet Earth using AI for making the world a better place. As the only interplanetary journalist stationed on this beautiful blue planet, I’m thrilled to present this galactic exclusive with Professor Felicity Baker, Lead Researcher at The University of Melbourne. Let’s learn what’s happening at The University of Melbourne and how Prof. Baker’s inspiring work in AI is making a positive impact in the world.

Spiffy: Hi Prof. Baker, thanks a million for talking to me today. Tell me, what challenge are you addressing through The University of Melbourne?

Prof. Baker: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! At the University of Melbourne, we are working on increasing access to music therapy for people living with dementia.

Spiffy: That’s really a noble cause. What motivates you to do it?

Prof. Baker: Thanks Spiffy. The last 32 years of my practice have shown the benefits that music has on people with dementia when used in a targeted way. That motivates me to keep going!

Spiffy: Wow, that's good to hear! What is the impact of your work and could you tell me about a recent initiative undertaken by your organization?

Prof. Baker: Our work impacts not only people with dementia but also their families and caregivers. A recent initiative of ours is the Agitation Detection System called MATCH (Music Attuned Technology - Care via eHealth). You can read more about it here: https://www.musicattunedcare.com/

Spiffy: Thanks for speaking with me today, Prof. Baker—it’s been an honor!

Prof. Baker: Likewise, Spiffy! Safe travels to your next destination.

Dr. Felicity Baker is Professor of Music Therapy and lead researcher developing music technology tools to support people living with dementia. She had 32 years experience, had run numerous clinical trials and led a team of researchers with total funding exceeding USD>11.5M (Nominated for Spiffy's Blog by Ricki Meyer, Google.org. First published on the Ladderworks website on December 10, 2024.)

The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of Ladderworks LLC.

© 2024 Ladderworks LLC. For supporting Spiffy’s Library Program: 100K Books for 100K Kids, donate here.