Computers Don't Byte

Episodes

S03 / E22 - 31 March 2026

Eleftheria Makri: Rethinking privacy in a data-driven world

In this episode, assistant professor Eleftheria Makri takes us from a classic 1980s cryptography puzzle to today’s urgent questions about data privacy, secure computation, and the looming impact of quantum computing. Through clear examples—from billionaire dinner bills to medical diagnostics—she...

S03 / E21 - 16 March 2026

Henning Basold: from biology to rockets, the science of systems

All systems are go! Assistant professor Henning Basold guides us through the fascinating world of systems—from the biological structures that make us who we are to the complex cyber‑physical systems behind rockets, trains, and self‑driving cars. How do category theory, logic, and formal v...

S03 / E20 - 02 March 2026

Rita Pucci: Reading the stripes, AI meets wildlife

What’s the difference between a zebra and a zebrafish? Assistant professor Rita Pucci, who works at both LIACS and Naturalis, brings together biodiversity and computer science. She’s developing a model that can recognise unique skin patterns of individual animals within a herd: a breakthrough tha...

S03 / E19 - 16 February 2026

Arno Knobbe: Engineering Gold, the science behind Dutch speed skating

How can data help speed skaters push past their limits? Associate Professor Arno Knobbe specializes in sports data science. His research dives deep into the tiny details that can decide the outcome of a race. How and where do speed skaters find tenths of seconds to beat their rivals? Arno...

S03 / E18 - 12 February 2026

Joost Broekens and Thomas Moerland: AI, revolution or bubble?

Associate Professor Joost Broekens and Assistant Professor Thomas Moerland explore the rapid rise of AI. Are we in the middle of a hype cycle, or is something truly transformative happening? And how do we keep these increasingly powerful systems safe? These questions—and more—drive this new CDB e...

S02 / E17 - 06 May 2025

Evert van Nieuwenburg: Tiq Taq Toe, exploring quantum concepts through gameplay

What if a childhood game could unlock the mysteries of quantum mechanics? In this episode, we sit down with Assistant Professor Evert van Nieuwenburg to explore how Tiq Taq Toe is revolutionizing the way we learn physics. Through interactive gameplay, this innovative tool makes abstract quantum c...

S02 / E16 - 22 April 2025

Marco Spruit: Ai powered pets, a new indicator of elderly well-being?

Can AI revolutionize elderly care? Professor Marco Spruit, an expert in translational data science, is developing Well-being AI—a smart pet robot that provides companionship while monitoring health through language markers. This technology could ease pressure on healthcare services by detecting e...

S02 / E15 - 08 April 2025

Anna Kononova: Lenses for chip manufacturing, unveiling the complexity of their design

How can nature-inspired evolution help us create the perfect optical lens? Assistant Professor Anna Kononova explores this question in her research. High-tech industries, like computer chip manufacturers, require ultra-precise lenses to keep up with the demand for increasingly complex designs....

S02 / E14 - 25 March 2025

Mitra Baratchi: Designing the perfect algorithm to understand the world

Ever wondered how algorithms make sense of complex problems? In this episode, we dive deep into the art of designing algorithms with associate professor Mitra Baratchi. Exploring how computers process data, find connections, and deliver insights.

S02 / E13 - 11 March 2025

Peter van der Putten: Tamagotchi, a precursor to today’s human loved home robots

How and why do humans form relationships with AI? This question lies at the core of Assistant Professor Peter van der Putten’s research. While AI sparks fear—raising concerns about its impact on our place in the universe—it also fascinates us, offering glimpses into an unknown future. ...

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

Podcast