AI in boxing and Bantams fans’ stories part of Bradford 2025 celebrations
Using artificial intelligence (AI) in boxing, sharing football fans’ stories through virtual reality (VR) and empowering women in climate justice conversations are among the University of Bradford’s events for Bradford 2025.
The University has announced its programme of events, held on campus and in the district, over the coming months to mark Bradford’s City of Culture year.
Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: “We want to be at the forefront of activities for Bradford 2025, which is such a pivotal year for the city and district.
“We have already seen some brilliant events and activity on campus and across the city, and it is now exciting to share our programme, co-created with artists and organisations from the city to share the University’s stories, celebrate our rich and diverse culture and help make a difference in Bradford.”
‘Fight or Byte’ will look at if artificial intelligence could be used in boxing. Images credit: KM Images
What’s coming up
‘Fight or Byte: Can AI transform the boxing world?’ sees Dr Kamran Mahroof, Programme Leader for MSc Applied AI and Data Analytics at the University of Bradford, and Tasif Khan, a Bradford-born Super Flyweight professional boxer, debate the potential role AI has in the sport.
The event, organised by the triple-crown accredited University of Bradford School of Management, will be held on Tuesday 8 April from 18:00 to 20:00 in a boxing ring at the Unique Fitness sports centre, Great Horton Road, Bradford. A panel will look back at some of the most controversial decisions in the sport’s history and debate whether AI could be used to solve these problems.
‘Stories from Valley Parade’, launched at Bradford City’s home on Sunday 22 June, has seen academics create a digital copy of the University of Bradford Stadium, traditionally known as Valley Parade, which people can explore through VR.
The fans’ stories will be attached to different places in both a physical and digital copy of the stadium for people to view.
At the launch event, fans’ stories will be brought to life by local artists and shown in the University’s immersive learning space, the iGloo. People can also learn more about the work of the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit (PSBRU) and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the University of Bradford Stadium.
‘Climate Justice for Women’, held on Thursday 6 November in the University’s Great Hall, sees a panel of experts explore how more females can be part of decisions about climate change on a national and international level.
What’s already happened
The University has already hosted Bradford 2025-related events. These include the BBC Young Reporter Festival, held in February, which saw students aged 16 to 18 from schools across the Bradford district find out more about a potential career in the media from Radio 1 presenters and social media influencers.
Teaspoon of Shampoo, a play inspired by the story of a man who falsely posed as a doctor for 30 years in the city, was performed at Theatre in the Mill, an arts organisation based on campus, earlier this month.
The Community Researcher Training Programme, a collaboration between the University of Bradford, University of Southampton and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, was held to train ‘community researchers’ as part of Bradford 2025’s legacy.