Sunday 7 March 2010

Fading Out

I first started learning about MIR around spring 2001. Back then I never would have guessed what a wonderful journey I was about to embark on. The journey had way more highlights than I ever deserved and I'm very grateful to so many people I've met on the journey.

I recently returned to Vienna to be closer to my family and friends again, and to settle down and start a new chapter in Gwen's and my life. Part of this transition has also been switching jobs. I'm in telecommunications now and uncertain if I'll ever return to MIR research.

I'll always continue following all the great stuff that's going on in the community from the side lines - but my already very infrequent blogging frequency is very likely to continue to decrease. When I started writing there was basically just Paul's blog. Now there's still Paul's blog, but also lots of other great MIR related blogs. Some of which are listed in the side bar.

Updated List of MIR PhDs

There's a long-overdue updated version of the list of MIR PhDs. The new entries I've added are Stéphane Rossignol (2000), Juan José Burred (2008), Iman S. H. Suyoto (2008), Matti Ryynänen (2008), Enric Guaus (2009), Claudio Baccigalupo (2009), Klaas Bosteels (2009), Katy Noland (2009), Tim Pohle (2010), and Jouni Paulus (2010). I've also updated some other links. Thanks to everyone who sent me information!!

I've had the pleasure of reading the thesis of Claudio and I can highly recommend it. His enthusiasm is inspiring. It's a great point to start for anyone researching playlist generation.

Another pleasure I've had was to attend the defense of Klaas' thesis. I've been closely following his work for a very long time. I've had the honor to collaborate with him on several occasions, and I'm very pleased that it's him who has taken over some of my previous responsibilities at Last.fm.

I've also been following Katy's and Tim's work for many years. Which makes me wonder how soon until all MIR PhD students I know are done. Until that happens I'll infrequently continue updating this blog and the list.