Prof J. Mark Bishop

What might cognition be if not computation? Criticisms of the computational metaphor in cognition are well known. This project will review an alternative metaphor for cognitive processes—Stochastic Diffusion Processes (SDP), grounded upon a metaphor of communication and interaction—and evaluate claims that it is robust to such a priori critiques. The project will conclude by producing a critical philosophical and analytic evaluation of this new framework and demonstrate its technical merit as… Show more

What might cognition be if not computation? Criticisms of the computational metaphor in cognition are well known. This project will review an alternative metaphor for cognitive processes—Stochastic Diffusion Processes (SDP), grounded upon a metaphor of communication and interaction—and evaluate claims that it is robust to such a priori critiques. The project will conclude by producing a critical philosophical and analytic evaluation of this new framework and demonstrate its technical merit as an alternative model of cognitive abilities, such as learning and intentional agency.

Finally, the project's success will validate a new paradigm shift in cognitive and neuro- science, fundamentally embracing interactions: feedback loops coupling organism and environment and the emergence of meaning in the inanimate physical world. Over time this paradigm shift could lead to a gradual re-positioning of humanity's place in the universe, once again leading away from a reductionist, computational, ballistic view of the mental, to a new holistic view, grounded now on interactions and communication. Show less

Every year, the NHS spends around £4.6 billion on consumables such as syringes, food and drugs. Identifying inefficiencies in such a complex procurement operation is a tough task. Now, thanks to new Goldsmiths-designed technology, large organisations such as the NHS have the tools to analyse their spending and save money. The software has already been used by 128 NHS Trusts across the country to identify a total saving of £32,886,800.
In partnership with the British company @UK, Professor… Show more

Every year, the NHS spends around £4.6 billion on consumables such as syringes, food and drugs. Identifying inefficiencies in such a complex procurement operation is a tough task. Now, thanks to new Goldsmiths-designed technology, large organisations such as the NHS have the tools to analyse their spending and save money. The software has already been used by 128 NHS Trusts across the country to identify a total saving of £32,886,800.
In partnership with the British company @UK, Professor Mark Bishop and Dr. Sebastian Danicic from Goldsmiths’ Department of Computing have harnessed artificial intelligence systems and new computing research to create unique new software called SpendInsight. SpendInsight is capable of turning raw spend data into management information and of intelligently matching client purchase order data to a vast new database of products.
A National Audit Report in 2011 used the software to identify £500 million of potential savings available within the NHS as a whole. Following this, 128 NHS Trusts and hospitals across the country have taken it up. More are expected to follow their lead and use the software to free up cash for more nurses and equipment.
Greening the NHS
More recently, Goldsmiths and @UK have developed the SpendInsight software further to create GreenInsight, which can analyse an organisation’s environmental footprint. GreenInsight responds to an internationally perceived need for more practical tools to measure sustainability. It was launched with messages of support from the CEO of the Carbon Disclosure Project and the Prince of Wales’ Accounting for Sustainability project. The NHS has already launched its plan to use this intelligent green technology to reduce their carbon footprint. Show less