Francisco José Vico Vela facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francisco Vico
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Francisco Vico at the Seoul Digital Forum panel session "Redefining 'Intelligence': What can we expect from Artificial Intelligence?"
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| Known for | Contributions to the field of artificial creativity (Melomics project) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Computer science |
| Institutions | University of Málaga |
Francisco José Vico Vela is a smart scientist and engineer. He is a full professor of artificial intelligence at the University of Málaga in Spain.
As a researcher, Professor Vico started and leads two important groups at the university: Biomimetics and EdTech. He also created two companies, called university spin-offs, from his university work: Melomics Media and Digitomica.
Professor Vico is best known for his work using evolutionary computation. This is a way for computers to learn and create, much like nature evolves. He uses it to help computers make music and design things for factories.
Contents
Education and Career Journey
Francisco Vico studied at the University of Málaga. He earned his first degree in computer science in 1991. He then received a special grant to continue his studies and got his PhD in 1995.
After his PhD, he worked for a short time in Buffalo, New York. In 1996, he returned to the University of Málaga. He started as a lecturer in computer science. He became an assistant professor in 2000 and a full professor in 2012.
Exploring New Ideas in Research
From his early studies until 2005, Professor Vico researched how our brains work. He also studied how computers can "see" things, which is called computer vision. He even helped create models of how brain cells, called neurons, function.
After 2005, his interests changed. He started focusing on evolutionary computation and artificial life. These fields explore how computers can learn and adapt, similar to living things. He has guided many students through their PhD studies. He has also led over 40 research projects, mostly with public funding.
How Research Helps the Real World
Even though Professor Vico explores basic science, he always thinks about how his discoveries can be used. His research projects with companies have covered many different areas. These include helping with stock trading and even improving knee replacement surgery.
Computers and Creativity
One of Professor Vico's early projects was with a company called Alcatel. They worked on making industrial design easier using computers. This project led to his most famous research paper.
About ten years later, Professor Vico led the Melomics project. This was a huge step forward in using artificial intelligence to create music. His team developed Iamus, which is a special computer system. Iamus could compose music all by itself!
The music composed by Iamus was even recorded on an album called Iamus. One of its pieces was performed by the famous London Symphony Orchestra. New Scientist magazine called it "The first major work composed by a computer and performed by a full orchestra."
Because it was so new and exciting, Discover magazine recognized Melomics as one of the top scientific achievements of 2012. This computer-generated music also found uses in health. It was even presented at the Seoul Digital Forum in 2015.
Technology for Learning
Since 2015, Professor Vico has focused on educational technologies. He developed a special computer program called ToolboX. This program helps make learning to code easier and more fun for students.
Designing Games
Professor Vico has also designed a board game called Selfo. It is a connection game where players try to connect pieces on a board.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Vico (científico) para niños
