University Calendar

Ben Herbst, Stellenbosch University

From the dawn of science computation has played an integral part, often as servant, but frequently also as instigator and creator of new science and mathematics. The advent of the electronic computer during the 20th century has directly led to the development of major new research fields such as numerical analysis and machine learning. It is perhaps not altogether true that no meaningful science is possible without computation, but it is true that the modern applied mathematician at least, is severely handicapped without a solid background in computation.

Although my own research interests have shifted rather profoundly over the course of my career, there is a common thread and that is computation. In this talk I'll take you on a somewhat personal journey, highlighting some of the many ways where computation plays a major role in our scientific investigations.