The next 50 years –moving Lumen forward

This issue of Lumen is the first step in a progression we hope will lead to us having better conversations with our readers – our alumni family, our staff, our faculty, our students, and our community.

New features this issue include a shift in focus towards a much broader range of content and story topics.

We are aiming in this issue, with its theme of sustainability, to showcase a broad array of activities from faculties across the University.

In future issues, we’d also like to include more input from you. This includes your feedback and thoughts on this current issue.

Letters to the Editor are most welcome. Details of where to send them are on page three.

In the future, as our online presence evolves and improves, we plan to introduce new video and audio content. We will also investigate better ways to keep you in touch with other alumni, and the University, through networking, educational and reunion activities.

New sections are also likely to include “Class Notes” (updating your life and career progression), and “In Memoriam” (an opportunity to remember colleagues and loved ones).

Our next issue, due in October (publishing gods willing), will explore the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How recent developments – most notably through the release of new and seemingly much improved free programming called ChatGPT – will impact on our lives is yet to be seen.

The range of implications appear to be enormous. As Google CEO Sundar Pichai so eloquently said in 2016: “AI is one of the most important things humanity is working on. It is more profound than, I dunno, electricity or fire.” End of humanity, or a boon to us all? You are most welcome to share your thoughts in a letter or email.

Mark Douglas, Editor