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PODCAST

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

technology mathematics

All Episodes

0:23:18

Derya Soydaner: The art of Artificial Intelligence

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2026/06/30

Assistant professor Derya Soydaner explores how AI and art collide, revealing why creativity, perception, and machine learning are far more intertwined than they seem. From testing whether large language models can recognize artistic styles to imagining a ‘museum buddy’ that guides visitors through galleries, this episode uncovers how technology might reshape the way we experience culture. Soydaner also dives into AI‑generated music, artistic authorship, and the tension

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0:21:40

Sebastian Fajardo Bernal: Ancient minds, modern machines

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2026/06/16

In this episode a surprising crossover between ancient archaeology and modern computer science. Anthropologist‑turned‑computer‑scientist Sebastian Fajardo Bernal reveals how early humans developed complex technologies like birch‑bark glue, and how their problem‑solving strategies mirror the logic behind today’s algorithms. It’s a fresh look at innovation through the lens of deep history. Sebastian also explains how models such as Petri nets help researchers understand

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0:20:07

Tom Kouwenhoven: Can AI ever truly understand us?

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2026/06/02

In this episode postdoc in Hybrid Intelligence Centre, Tom Kouwenhoven tells all about his research which focusses on how humans and machines learn to communicate. From chatbot misunderstandings to experiments where people and AI invent entirely new languages, Tom shows how collaboration can work even when both sides interpret information differently.The conversation also dives into visual intuition, like the Bouba–Kiki effect, and why shared human preferences matter when

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0:22:49

Anna Dawid: From Tetris to quantum breakthroughs

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2026/05/19

Assistant-porfessor Anna Dawid outlines how quantum technologies are rapidly moving from theoretical science to practical innovation. She explains how the unusual behavior of quantum particles could lead to breakthroughs such as room temperature superconductors and advanced materials with major industrial impact. Anna also presents her Tetris CNN project, a transparent neural network approach designed to help scientists interpret complex quantum data rather than relying on

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0:22:58

Elena Raponi: What pizza can teach us about optimization

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2026/04/28

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

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0:18:08

Mike Preuss: Beyond entertainment, the science of games

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2026/04/14

Game AI expert Mike Preuss takes us from the world of Go‑playing algorithms to cutting‑edge chemistry. Hear how Monte Carlo Tree Search, the technique behind AlphaGo, helped enable the first fully automated method for chemical retrosynthesis—an achievement published in Nature.The Game Lab that Mike runs at LIACS improves game mechanics, collaborates across disciplines, and uses games for education, psychology, and even language learning. From smarter strategy units to

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0:19:34

Eleftheria Makri: Rethinking privacy in a data-driven...

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2026/03/31

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 shows how we can extract useful insights from data without ever exposing the data itself.Makri explains why privacy isn’t about secrecy but about control, and how secure computation

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0:21:45

Henning Basold: from biology to rockets, the science...

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2026/03/17

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 verification help us understand, model, and secure the technologies we rely on every day. Why do systems fail? How can we prove they’re safe? And what does it take to describe the world

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0:23:13

Rita Pucci: Reading the stripes, AI meets wildlife

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2026/03/04

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 that could transform how wildlife is monitored.It could also reveal whether inbreeding is occurring—crucial information for species like zebras, where inbreeding can have devastating

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0:20:59

Arno Knobbe: Engineering Gold, the science behind...

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2026/02/17

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's research helps olympic athletes study the 'corners' of the ice rink, where, as it turns out, every athlete needs a slightly different approach to glide through at top speed. And this

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0:40:56

Joost Broekens and Thomas Moerland: AI, revolution or...

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2026/02/12

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 episode. AI brings huge advantages, but not without trade‑offs. Is today’s AI revolution comparable to the invention of the steam engine? Cultural evolution is accelerating as

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0:22:31

Evert van Nieuwenburg: Tiq Taq Toe, exploring quantum...

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2025/05/06

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 concepts more intuitive and engaging. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just curious about learning through play, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into a whole new way

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0:16:54

Marco Spruit: Ai powered pets, a new indicator of...

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2025/04/22

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 early signs of decline and alerting caregivers. Beyond professional care, these intelligent robots could also support informal caregivers. Imagine a situation where one partner

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0:22:02

Anna Kononova: Lenses for chip manufacturing,...

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2025/04/08

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. Anna uses evolutionary computing, a technique that mimics natural selection. Just as nature evolves the fittest species, computers generate and test many lens designs, keeping the

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0:13:53

Mitra Baratchi: Designing the perfect algorithm to...

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2025/03/25

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. While algorithms can solve many challenges, there are limits to their accuracy. How can researchers identify these gaps and guide users toward the best solutions. How much should we rely on algorithms, and where does human

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0:20:08

Peter van der Putten: Tamagotchi, a precursor to...

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2025/03/11

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. But can we truly bond with AI? It’s one thing to feel attached to a humanoid robot or a robotic pet, but what about a simple wooden cube with a moving face? In his study Common Locus, Peter

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0:17:53

Hao Wang: From Amsterdam to Paris, real-life...

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2025/02/25

In this episode, LIACS Assistant Professor Hao Wang shares insights into multi-criteria optimization and the concept of the Pareto optimum. Discover how these powerful techniques, often used in decision-making and problem-solving, can help you plan the perfect trip. Whether you’re balancing cost, travel time, and comfort or choosing between destinations, learn how mathematical models can guide you toward the best possible choices. Tune in for a new episode that bridges

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0:15:56

Hay Fever: How AI improves pollen monitoring

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2025/02/11

The hay fever season lasts longer than it used to because of climate change. LIACS Assistant Professor Lu Cao explains how machine learning and AI can help to easier count pollen in the air. This improves the accuracy and efficiency of pollen monitoring, a critical tool for understanding seasonal allergies, air quality, and climate impact. Discover how AI-driven technologies can improve the accuracy and efficiency of pollen monitoring, providing valuable insights for

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0:20:09

Robots & Emotions: Are we moving from AI to EI?

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2025/01/28

Can robots feel joy or guilt? Can they have emotions at all? Today, we dive into the fascinating world of "affective" computing with Associate Professor Joost Broekens, a leading expert in the field. But what exactly is affective computing?We also tackle the ethical challenges of AI-emotion interaction, exploring topics like the European AI Act, which bans emotion recognition in education and the workplace. Are these new technologies transforming artificial intelligence into

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0:22:37

Vedran Dunjko: Next level computing, exploring the...

Computers Don"t Byte ·

2024/07/02

Professor Vedran Dunjko leads the Applied Quantum Algorithms group at Leiden University. His research focuses on quantum computing, which uses quantum effects to greatly improve computation. This could lead to much more powerful computers. Developing a working quantum computer is an ongoing effort, bringing both exciting possibilities and potential security risks because of its superior computing abilities.Much of what a quantum computer can achieve remains a mystery, even

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