Mathematician and optimization expert Elena Raponi takes us from car‑crash simulations to her teenage quest for the perfect pizza. Through her stories, she reveals how Bayesian thinking shapes the way we learn, explore, and refine our choices—whether we’re comparing pizza places or navigating complex engineering problems.
The conversation dives into black‑box optimization, algorithm design, and the surprisingly human logic behind making choices—from selecting a Netflix series to engineering safer cars. The episode offers an accessible look at how optimization shapes everyday decisions and high‑stakes scientific challenges alike.
About Computers Don't Byte
Computer scientists who are at the forefront of their respected fields attempt to explain what on earth they're doing.
Computers don't byte is a series by the Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science (LIACS). Leading computer scientists from a variety of fields share their expertise and insights. Dive into the minds of these researchers and learn about real-world applications, the future of AI and related technologies and cutting-edge research. From chatbots to cybersecurity, from quantum to children's stories, each episode offers its own perspective on the changing landscape of computer science. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, this podcast offers knowledge and inspiration.
Content: LIACS
Host: Michiel van Poelgeest
Produced by: Studio Onzichtbaar