Computing applied to societal problems
The panel will present problems from three societal fields where computing has made significant contributions. The first field is cultural evolution, which is concerned with how both biological characteristics and new ideas spread throughout a society. Next, from that aspect of the environmental field which is concerned with waste, computer applications to ocean disposal will be discussed. The final presentation will concern programs for allocation of fire companies; this will be followed immediately by a computer demonstration at which time those attending may themselves operate the computer program. Throughout the session the panel will stress the usefulness and applicability of their investigations to the needs of society.