October 2018 - Members - lists.sigcis.org

Re: [SIGCIS-Members] Konrad Zuse's 1936 patent - German text?
by Brian Randell 24 Sep '20

24 Sep '20

Hi Mark: I have a copy of the original 1936 Zuse patent application that I had translated into English for my Origins book. (It took some finding - some of my Zemanek documents had strayed into the middle of the Zuse documents, and so had obscured them! :-) It is a type-written document, on the letterhead of Zuse’s patent attorney Dr.-Ing. Bruno Wolf, Berlin Charlottenberg 5, Kantstrasse 85, dated 9.4.36 (i.e. 9 April 1936). It is some twenty or so pages in length. However I should warn you that some of the pages are barely legible (though could probably be deciphered by someone who knows German - which I don’t). I could scan this document for you if you wish. (I have about two inches thick of documents about Zuse’s work, including a number of patents and patent applications, some pre-war, immediately some post-war, together with several typescripts from him. My plan is that this material will be added to the archive of my files held in the Special Collections section of Newcastle University Library. This already holds all the extensive correspondence that I was involved in while compiling Origins.) Cheers Brian On 24 Jan 2017, at 10:58, Mark Priestley <m.priestley(a)gmail.com<mailto:m.priestley@gmail.com>> wrote: Dear list, Zuse's 1936 patent "Method for Automatic Execution of Calculations with the Aid of Computers" is reprinted in Brian Randell's "Origins of Digital Computers" collections. Does anyone know if/where I can get hold of the German original? Thanks in advance. Mark _______________________________________________ This email is relayed from members at sigcis.org<http://sigcis.org>, the email discussion list of SHOT SIGCIS. Opinions expressed here are those of the member posting and are not reviewed, edited, or endorsed by SIGCIS. The list archives are at http://lists.sigcis.org/pipermail/members-sigcis.org/ and you can change your subscription options at http://lists.sigcis.org/listinfo.cgi/members-sigcis.org -- School of Computing Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK EMAIL = Brian.Randell(a)ncl.ac.uk<mailto:Brian.Randell@ncl.ac.uk> PHONE = +44 191 208 7923 FAX = +44 191 208 8232 URL = http://www.ncl.ac.uk/computing/people/profile/brianrandell.html

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Mar Hicks wins Sally Hacker Prize
by Sarah Roberts 01 Nov '18

01 Nov '18

While we are celebrating all these incredible contributions and prizes for work done by SIGCIS members, I thought I’d give a shout out to our own Mar Hicks, whose Programmed Inequality is the winner of this year’s SHOT Sally Hacker Prize. What an incredible statement as to the importance of the history of computer to a larger constituency. Congrats to Mar and to all winners! I’m in awe. Warmly, Sarah — S a r a h T. R o b e r t s, P h. D. Assistant Professor University of California, Los Angeles Department of Information Studies Graduate School of Education & Information Studies https://is.gseis.ucla.edu/ Blogging periodically at http://illusionofvolition.com **Please note: I’m increasingly finding email unmanageable. If I don’t respond and your issue is urgent, please resend and indicate that in the subject line. Your message likely just got lost in the shuffle. Thanks.

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Summer School in RENAISSANCE MEDICINE 2019 Pisa
by Bigotti, Fabrizio 31 Oct '18

31 Oct '18

With apologies for cross-posting, Dear Colleagues, The Centre for the Study of Medicine and the Body in the Renaissance (CSMBR) in cooperation with the University of Padua and the Studio Firmano for the History of Medicine and Science announces an International Summer School THE KILN, THE ALEMBIC AND THE CLOCKWORK Early Modern Representations of the Body and its Changing Matter 29-31 March 2019 Organiser: Fabrizio Bigotti This summer school will explore how the representation of the body and its functions changed from antiquity to the early modern period and how technology altered the perception of what we are as human animals. By adopting three of the most iconic analogies ever used in the history of medicine to represent the human body, The Kiln, the Alembic, and the Clockwork will explore the early modern imagery of the body, in connection to the methods of investigation and its overlapping with disciplines such as alchemy and astronomy. Particular attention will be devoted to processes such as the combination and the concoction of humours (the kiln), distillation and perspiration (the alembic) and the mechanical action of innate heat (the clockwork) whilst considering, for each analogy, the visual impact it exerted on the Renaissance and early modern representation of human physiology. The summer school is directed to undergraduates, postgraduates as well as PhDs wishing to deepen their knowledge of history of medicine and its connection to other disciplines of knowledge in the early modern period. Sources and papers will be pre-circulated in order for attendees to engage fruitfully in conversation with speakers in a roundtable at the end of the day. The Summer School will be held in the outstanding location of domvs comeliana in Piazza dei Miracoli (Pisa) with the provisional programme available here<http://csmbr.fondazionecomel.org/international-summer-school/>. Speakers: Vivian Nutton (First Moscow State Medical University) Hiro Hirai (Radboud University) Fabio Zampieri (University of Padua) Fabiola Zurlini (Studio Firmano for the History of Medicine and Science) Registration fee to attend the Summer School is €244 and includes the cost of all breaks and lunches. Payment can be made directly to Fondazione Comel via Bank Transfer with the specification CSMBR 2018 by the registration deadline of Saturday 31 January 2019. For information and details please contact csmbr(a)fondazionecomel.org<mailto:csmbr@fondazionecomel.org> or f.bigotti(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:f.bigotti@exeter.ac.uk> Funding: Santorio Fellowship 2018 The International Summer School runs along with the 2018 edition of the Santorio Fellowship for Medical Humanities and Science, which will be advertised separately. Selected winners will attend the Summer School for free and will receive a travel grant up to €300. Applicants must send a cover letter, a copy of their CV and a referee letter to santoriofellowship(a)fondazionecomel.org<mailto:santoriofellowship@fondazionecomel.org> by the 31st December 2018. Winners will be notified in mid-February 2019. For information and details please email csmbr(a)fondazionecomel.org<mailto:csmbr@fondazionecomel.org> or contact Dr Fabrizio Bigotti at f.bigotti(a)exeter.ac.uk<mailto:f.bigotti@exeter.ac.uk>.

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Re: [SIGCIS-Members] Mar Hicks wins Sally Hacker Prize
by M. Hicks 26 Oct '18

26 Oct '18

Thanks so much, Morten :) Best, Mar ______________________ Marie Hicks, Ph.D. Associate Professor, History of Technology Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL USA mhicks1(a)iit.edu | mariehicks.net | @histoftech Programmed Inequality: How Britain Discarded Women Technologists and Lost Its Edge in Computing www.programmedinequality.com On Oct 26, 2018, at 3:00 AM, Morten Bay <mortenbay(a)live.com> wrote: Congrats, Mar! That's fantastic! I'm not going to say it's well-deserved, because that would be stating the obvious. I'd rather just say thank you for making a difference. M Morten Bay, Ph.D. Research Fellow, Center for the Digital Future at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism Tech correspondent, Politiken From: Members <members-bounces(a)lists.sigcis.org> on behalf of M. Hicks <mhicks1(a)iit.edu> Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2018 6:39:34 PM To: Sarah Roberts Cc: members Subject: Re: [SIGCIS-Members] Mar Hicks wins Sally Hacker Prize Thank you so much, Sarah! I really appreciate it. And I totally agree that our work as people who study computing has an ever greater relevance to broader conversations now. This would probably be a good time to share my recent op ed in the Guardian about how sexism casts a long shadow over our computing products today--particularly in the realm of "AI": https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/oct/11/tech-gender-problem-amaz… It also occurs to me that you are due some major congratulations for your Pioneer Award from the EFF--I'll make a separate post about that :) Best, Mar ______________________ Marie Hicks, Ph.D. Associate Professor, History of Technology Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL USA mhicks1(a)iit.edu | mariehicks.net | @histoftech Programmed Inequality: How Britain Discarded Women Technologists and Lost Its Edge in Computing www.programmedinequality.com On Oct 25, 2018, at 7:45 PM, Sarah Roberts <roberts(a)gseis.ucla.edu> wrote: While we are celebrating all these incredible contributions and prizes for work done by SIGCIS members, I thought I’d give a shout out to our own Mar Hicks, whose Programmed Inequality is the winner of this year’s SHOT Sally Hacker Prize. What an incredible statement as to the importance of the history of computer to a larger constituency. Congrats to Mar and to all winners! I’m in awe. Warmly, Sarah — S a r a h T. R o b e r t s, P h. D. Assistant Professor University of California, Los Angeles Department of Information Studies Graduate School of Education & Information Studies https://is.gseis.ucla.edu/ Blogging periodically at http://illusionofvolition.com **Please note: I’m increasingly finding email unmanageable. If I don’t respond and your issue is urgent, please resend and indicate that in the subject line. Your message likely just got lost in the shuffle. Thanks. _______________________________________________ This email is relayed from members at sigcis.org, the email discussion list of SHOT SIGCIS. Opinions expressed here are those of the member posting and are not reviewed, edited, or endorsed by SIGCIS. The list archives are at http://lists.sigcis.org/pipermail/members-sigcis.org/ and you can change your subscription options at http://lists.sigcis.org/listinfo.cgi/members-sigcis.org

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EFF Pioneer in our midst
by M. Hicks 26 Oct '18

26 Oct '18

Hi all, For those of you who may not already know, one of our own, Sarah Roberts, was awarded a 2018 Pioneer Award from the Electronic Freedom Foundation in recognition of her groundbreaking work on commercial content moderation (she actually coined the term). This is a really big deal--in the past the EFF Pioneer award has gone to other luminaries who have "made significant contributions to the empowerment of individuals in using computers" like Tim Berners-Lee, Anita Borg, and Starr Roxane Hiltz. If you want to know more about Sarah's groundbreaking work, her book is now available for pre-order--due out in the Spring I believe! Behind the Screen: Content Moderation in the Shadows of Social Media https://www.amazon.com/dp/0300235887/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_77M0BbRF0126V Best, Mar ______________________ Marie Hicks, Ph.D. Associate Professor, History of Technology Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, IL USA mhicks1(a)iit.edu | mariehicks.net | @histoftech Programmed Inequality: How Britain Discarded Women Technologists and Lost Its Edge in Computing www.programmedinequality.com

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Mahoney Prize for 2018: Joanna Radin, "Digital Natives"
by Andrew Russell 25 Oct '18

25 Oct '18

Dear colleagues - It’s a pleasure to share that the Mahoney Prize for 2018 has been awarded to Joanna Radin for her article “Digital Natives: How Medical and Indigenous Histories Matter for Big Data.” Osiris Vol. 32, No. 1 (2017): 43-64. The Mahoney Prize recognizes an outstanding article in the history of computing and information technology, broadly conceived. Many of you will recall that Prof. Radin was the keynote speaker of our 2017 SIGCIS conference in St. Louis. She has graciously dedicated the award and prize money to the Akimel O’odham tribe. More information on the Mahoney Prize is available from https://www.sigcis.org/2018mahoneyprize, including the prize citation, which I reproduce below. In “Digital Natives: How medical and Indigenous histories matter for Big Data,” Joanna Radin argues for critical engagement with “the metabolism of Big Data”. Radin presents the remarkable history of a dataset known as the Pima Indigenous diabetes study, derived from research conducted with the Akimel O’odham Indigenous community in Arizona. Since the loss of their ability to farm the land, this community has an extremely high rate of diabetes. Reconstructing the circumstances of the dataset’s production and its presence in a Machine Learning repository where it is used in projects far removed from diabetes, Radin draws attention to the way that data is naturalised, and bodies and economic struggle are elided. Significant questions are raised about the ethics and politics of research in an age of Big Data, including the reproduction of patterns of settler colonialism in the research enterprise, and the community’s work to redefine the research encounter. The prize committee were impressed by Radin’s depth of research, quality of analysis, and the contribution to multiple literatures, and commend her for an inspired and inspiring article. Best regards, Andy

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Bruno
by Dag Spicer 25 Oct '18

25 Oct '18

Hello, This just out … Bruno is back: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/25/magazine/bruno-latour-post-truth-philoso… Dag -- Dag Spicer Senior Curator Computer History Museum 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd. Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 810-1035 direct (650) 810-1010 main spicer(a)computerhistory.org<mailto:spicer@computerhistory.org>

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CHM Prize for 2018: Ben Peters, How Not to Network a Nation
by Andrew Russell 24 Oct '18

24 Oct '18

Dear colleagues - It’s a pleasure to announce that the Computer History Museum Prize for 2018 has been awarded to Ben Peters for How Not to Network a Nation: The Uneasy History of the Soviet Internet (MIT Press, 2016). Please visit https://www.sigcis.org/2018chmprize for details, including the prize citation, which I reproduce below. Benjamin Peters’s history of the Soviet Internet represents a pathbreaking contribution to the understanding of the history of computing and networking. Based on detailed empirical research in Russian archives, it extends the reach of these histories into new, non-Anglo-American domains. In describing the complex institutional and political reasons for the ultimate failure of the All-State Automated Systems (OGAS), How Not to Network a Nation challenges common assumptions about the relationships between decentralization, free markets, and electronic networking. Peters’s treatment of Soviet networking brings into sharper view the infrastructures, power relations, successes, and shortcomings of our own electronic networks. Best regards, Andy

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DUE Dec 5 // Call for Research Travel Award - Software Preservation
by Jessica Meyerson 24 Oct '18

24 Oct '18

Research Travel Award: Study Software Preservation and Emulation in Libraries, Archives in Museums OVERVIEW The Fostering a Community of Practice: Software Preservation and Emulation Experts in Libraries and Archives (FCoP) [IMLS grant RE-95-17-0058-17] project is calling for FCoP Research Travel Award applications <http://www.softwarepreservationnetwork.org/fcop-research-travel-award/> from October 24, 2018 - December 5, 2018. Research undertaken using the FCoP Travel Award will take place at two of the six FCoP project sites: University of Arizona <http://www.softwarepreservationnetwork.org/fcop/#fcop-team4>, Guggenheim Museum <http://www.softwarepreservationnetwork.org/fcop/#fcop-team2>, University of Virginia <http://www.softwarepreservationnetwork.org/fcop/#fcop-team1>, University of Illinois <http://www.softwarepreservationnetwork.org/fcop/#fcop-team6>, Living Computers: Museum + Labs <http://www.softwarepreservationnetwork.org/fcop/#fcop-team5>, Georgia Tech University <http://www.softwarepreservationnetwork.org/fcop/#fcop-team3>. Research outcomes are expected to complement the efforts of the FCoP project, and the Software Preservation Network <http://www.softwarepreservationnetwork.org/about/> more broadly, which seeks to bring software preservation into mainstream digital preservation practice (addressing specific legal, metadata and technical preservation and access challenges). RESEARCH TRAVEL AWARD DESCRIPTION In complement to research-in-practice currently underway by members of the FCoP cohort, the FCoP Research Travel Award will fund an academic researcher (doctoral students, post-docs or junior faculty/pre-tenure faculty) to travel up to four times (two visits each to two different project sites - once earlier in their project timeline and once closer to completion of their projects) in order to observe and document different organizational approaches to software preservation and emulation. The researcher will be expected to submit at least two peer-reviewed open access journal articles before May 2020. Important practice-based questions driving the creation of the FCoP Research Travel Award include: 1. How are the outcomes of local problem solving, policy development and changes to practice translated to shifts reflected in discussions between cohort members? 1. How do these outcomes help us to focus the field on areas of activity that would benefit the most from collective action? 2. How does each organization translate system-level activity into their local context? 1. Where are their major gaps in the translation of more general tools and outcomes in local organizational contexts? 3. What types of data are more or less comparable across organizational contexts? 1. Where else can we look to understand the relationship between local and field-level changes to practice? 2. How does the available data limit our understanding of which strategies are most effective for broadening participation in software preservation? Given these practice-based questions, we invite scholars from information studies, sociology, law, sociotechnical systems/science and technology studies, communication studies, public policy, economics, organizational studies, and related fields to apply for the award. In particular, the FCoP team is looking for proposed research that advances understanding of practice through the lens of one or more of the following research areas: Standards Development and Sociology of Standards; Information Infrastructure; Capacity Building and Economic Sustainability of Public Institutions; Cross-institutional and Cross-sector Alignment (Collective Impact); Information and Technology Policy; Legal Advocacy for Cultural Institutions; and Social Impact of Public/Private Partnerships. Any research resulting from the travel award should aim to build stronger theory and empirical evidence in at least one of these areas. Regardless of the applicant’s scholarly/discursive community, researchers will be asked to explicitly address the ways in which their research methods speak to the goals of “participatory action research” in their application. Selection for the/Benefits of the FCoP Research Travel Award includes: - $5,000 travel award to be used primarily for airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation and travel per diem. If, after completing their research site visits, the researcher’s travel costs are below the $5,000 allotted, additional uses including conference registration costs and publication costs may be considered. - Direct access to FCoP Cohort members for interviews and observation - Access to Software Preservation Network community resources - Action research opportunity that has the potential to make a significant impact on cultural stewardship practice All FCoP Research Travel Award applications must include: - Research Statement - How does the fellowship fit into your research agenda - How will you bring your research interests and skills to bear on the intended practical outcomes of the project - 1-3 well-defined research questions that could be answered in the scope of this research travel award - CV from the Applicant - 2 Letters of Recommendation APPLICATION TIMELINE >From October 24 to December 5, 2018 the FCoP Project Staff for the FCoP Research Travel Award <http://www.softwarepreservationnetwork.org/fcop-research-travel-award/> MORE INFORMATION: For more details about the FCoP project, check out the project website: http://www.softwarepreservationnetwork.org/fcop/

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AI Now Is Hiring Postdoctoral Researchers; Apply By November 27
by Sarah Myers West 23 Oct '18

23 Oct '18

Dear all, AI Now is hiring two-to-three postdoctoral researchers whose work resonates with the Institute's mission. We welcome applications across a range of interests and disciplines. This two-year position is an ideal opportunity for scholars engaging with the social implications of AI and related technologies, who want to be part of this growing research community. Want to learn more and apply? See our Postdoctoral Researcher job description <https://ainowinstitute.org/join-us.html#postdoctoral-researcher>. The deadline for applications is November 27, 2018. Know someone who might be perfect? Please feel free to share this email. Thank you for helping the AI Now Institute grow! Best, Sarah -- *Dr. Sarah Myers West* Postdoctoral Researcher AI Now Institute New York University sarah(a)ainowinstitute.org | @sarahbmyers ------------------------------ Postdoctoral Researcher AI Now is hiring two-to-three postdoctoral researchers whose work resonates with the Institute’s mission. We welcome applications across a range of interests and disciplines. This two-year position is an ideal opportunity for scholars engaging with the social implications of AI and related technologies, who want to be part of this growing research community. For the 2019 cohort, we are specifically looking to appoint one postdoctoral researcher whose work relates to issues of AI, Gender, and Race. If your work relates to this field, please indicate that in your application and research statement. As an interdisciplinary institute, AI Now will provide postdocs with the opportunity to develop their scholarship at a top academic institution with an remit to collaborate with researchers and practitioners across different fields, whether within NYU, at partner institutions, or working with relevant industry and civil society organizations. Postdocs will devote time to their own research and collaborative projects as well as contributing to AI Now programs and events related to their research portfolio. Teaching is not expected, but can be an option, depending on a candidate’s availability and interest. ABOUT THE AI NOW INSTITUTE AI Now is committed to mentorship and support and to accommodating and resourcing research agendas that fit within its core mission. Postdocs will become a core part of a vibrant research community that includes reading groups, expert workshops, international conferences, regular salons, and site-specific travel. Postdocs will also have the opportunity to help shape the annual AI Now Symposium. The AI Now Institute <https://ainowinstitute.org/> at New York University is an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to examining the social implications of artificial intelligence. We focus on producing fundamental research and expanding the emerging field focused on these issues. Currently, our research focuses on four key domains: rights and liberties, labor and automation, bias and inclusion, and safety and critical infrastructure. Founded in 2017 by Kate Crawford and Meredith Whittaker, the AI Now Institute is housed at New York University, where it fosters vibrant interdisciplinary engagement across the University and beyond. Our work includes collaborations across an expansive, world-class network of scholars, policy-makers, activists and advocates, technologists and industry leaders, and many others. AI Now is affiliated across six different NYU faculties: the Tandon School of Engineering <https://ainowinstitute.org/>, the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development <http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/>, the Law School <http://www.law.nyu.edu/>, the Stern School of Business <http://www.stern.nyu.edu/>, the Center for Data Science <https://cds.nyu.edu/>. RESOURCES AND BENEFITS - Competitive salary and benefits - A generous research budget for conferences (including international), fieldwork, and research materials available as needed - Access to an exceptional network of mentors and established researchers spanning NYU and beyond, including civil society and industry practitioners - Relocation assistance available as needed QUALIFICATIONS Eligible candidates will have received their PhD in 2017-2019 (conferred by August 2019). Start date for this position will be in September 2019. Postdoc positions are two years in length and this position will conclude at the end of June 2021. Successful candidates will have extensive research experience and an established research track record, demonstrated by journal publications and/or conference papers, as well as other forms of academic participation, such as program committees and editorial boards. Candidates may be trained in any discipline, but should be interested in addressing the complex social implications of AI and related systems, and be committed to working in an interdisciplinary environment. Candidates from all disciplines, both technical and non-technical, are welcome to apply. Examples of relevant research areas include: issues of bias and fairness in algorithmic systems, gender representation and AI, the implications of algorithmic risk assessment and means testing in criminal justice and social welfare, the geopolitical implications of artificial intelligence, the role of industrial actors in the creation of modern AI systems, the ways in which AI and automation are shaping specific labor sectors and the nature of work, infrastructural analyses of AI, the history of AI, and the political implications of machine vision. We are also open to a range of topics and approaches that go beyond these domains. The ideal candidate will enjoy bold and creative research design, working on collaborative teams, mentoring junior researchers, exploring new methodologies, and engaging broad audiences with their research. The AI Now postdoctoral program is located at New York University and candidates will be expected to spend the majority of their time on-site, with the exception of travel for conferences, research, meetings, etc. New York University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. New York University is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its hiring and promotion process without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth (or related medical condition), sexual orientation, partnership status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital, parental or familial status, caregiver status, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, or any other legally protected basis. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS The application deadline for the 2019-2021 class is Tuesday, November 27, 2018. To apply, please submit your information via our online form <https://airtable.com/shrrUgfcccZrBcZu5>, including attachments for the following materials: 1. A research statement, no longer than two pages, on your research agenda, methodologies, and how this work connects to the mission of AI Now. - If you are applying for the AI, Gender & Race position please include an additional short statement (no more than one page) briefly outlining any past, present, and/or envisioned future work that you see as particularly relevant to this research track. 2. An abstract and chapter outline of your dissertation. 3. Two writing samples in English, such as journal articles, book chapters, essays, or equivalent. 4. Your CV; please indicate when you received/will receive your PhD. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions about the position at apply(a)ainowinstitute.org. APPLY NOW <https://airtable.com/shrrUgfcccZrBcZu5>

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