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George Boole – Forefather of the Information

Age

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In 1849, George Boole was appointed

the first Professor of Mathematics at

Queen’s College, now University

College, Cork.

His research became a prelude to

modern mathematics, microelectronic

engineering and computer science.

Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that

Boole laid the foundations of the

Information Age.

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George Boole: His Life and Work at UCC

genius

• Appointed first Professor of Mathematics at Queen’s College, Cork, in 1849

• QCC Dean of Science 1852

• Laws of Thought, George Boole’s masterpiece was published 1854 at 5 Grenville Place, Cork, within sight of Tyndall Institute

• Married Mary Everest (1855)

• Five famous daughters - Mary Ellen (1856); Margaret (1858); Alicia (1860); Lucy (1862); and Ethel Lilian (1864)

• Elected Fellow of the Royal Society 1857

• Died in Cork in 1864 (aged 49)

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Continuing George Boole’s Legacy at UCC

legacy

University College Cork (UCC) has always had a

tradition of independent thinking.

Everything we do is based on the spirit of enquiry.

Just as George Boole’s revolutionary insights led

to profound changes, we can change the present

and create the future.

We believe in creating an environment where the

curiosity of talented students and researchers can

blossom and we have a diverse range of

disciplines and courses for you to discover.

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George Boole 200 Programme

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GB200 Inaugural Lecture: introducing Boole’s legacy in

computer science and microelectronic engineering

Conferences: mathematics, engineering, computer science,

bicentenary conference

Outreach: education (primary, secondary, tertiary); public

understanding of mathematics/ ICT/science

Biography: republication by Cork University Press of

Professor Desmond MacHale’s biography of Boole, under the

title The Life and Work of George Boole: A Prelude to the

Digital Age

motivator

Scientific and educational

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Genealogy: a full genealogy of Boole’s descendants with

biographical sketches of some of the most significant

Exhibition of Boole’s work: in UCC Boole Library with

proposed travelling versions to Lincoln/Royal Society

London/Computer History Museum, Mountain View, Ca.

Art: exhibition on themes related to Boole’s legacy in the UCC

Glucksman Gallery

Music: conference on Live Interactive Music and major

performances

genius

Social and Cultural

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Celebratory

Honorary degrees: to be conferred on scientific leaders

and technology leaders

Documentary film: Boole’s life, work and legacy

legacy

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Legacy

Boole’s house at 5 Grenville Place: redevelopment (in

partnership with Cork City Council)

Establishment of the UCC George Boole Institute:

research and teaching in mathematics and ICT harnessing

current resources and future potential

X2 = X

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Stay In Touch

www.georgeboole.com

www.facebook.com/GeorgeBoole200

twitter.com/georgeboole200

+353 (0)21 420 5558

georgeboole200@ucc.ie