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Tom Furness
Professor, University of Washington
Professional Background
Dr. Tom Furness, widely recognized as the "grandfather of virtual reality," has dedicated over 55 years to developing innovative interfaces between humans and machines that enhance human intelligence and facilitate a deeper connection among minds. His groundbreaking work is foundational in the invention and evolution of what we now know as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). As a passionate advocate for the power of technology, Dr. Furness has not only contributed dozens of inventions in the fields of VR and AR but has also inspired a generation of students and colleagues who have together launched more than 25 successful companies within this dynamic space.
Engaging with the intricacies of light and matter, Dr. Furness has pursued an extensive exploration of how light can effectively communicate sensory information and serve purposes beyond mere communication, including probing the inner workings of the human body to assess health and well-being. His innovative approach merges science and art to create technologies that have the potential to transform our understanding of both technology and ourselves.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Furness holds a Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Science from the University of Southampton and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Duke University. His advanced education laid the groundwork for his illustrious career, which has seen him take on a multitude of roles, including professor, entrepreneur, and thought leader in the VR/AR domain.
Throughout his career, Dr. Furness has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field of virtual reality. Notably, he received the prestigious Proto Founders Award in 2016 as recognition of his innovative spirit and pioneering work. His commitment to education and mentorship has helped cultivate future leaders in technology, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.
In addition to his numerous patents—20 issued and 9 pending—Dr. Furness's work has been extensively featured in various media outlets, further establishing his reputation as a visionary in the realm of technology, and specifically in the field of virtual reality. As the founder of the Virtual World Society, he continues to work to advance the public understanding of and engagement with emerging technologies.
Notable Contributions
Dr. Furness's extensive career includes various prestigious academic and organizational affiliations. He has served as the General Manager at Pulse Tectonics and RATLab LLC, in addition to notable positions such as the International Director at HIT Lab Australia and New Zealand. He has also been an accomplished professor at the University of Washington and the University of Tasmania, where he influenced a multitude of future innovators.
Through his work, Dr. Furness has consistently inspired a dialogue about the future of technology and its impact on human experience. His TED-like talks, such as "Being the Future" at the Augmented World Expo 2015, detail not only the evolution of technology but the ethical considerations that accompany these advancements. His desire to turn the hearts of children toward creating a better world showcases his commitment to community and education.
Dr. Furness's contributions are not limited to virtual reality; his insights into the interaction of light and matter have implications for health technology as well. His lifelong fascination with light reflects his larger goal: to use technology as a means to improve human lives. He recognizes that as we venture further into the technological age, there are greater responsibilities associated with the tools we create and utilize.
As he reflects on a career that spans over five decades, Dr. Furness sees an exciting future ahead. Having recently celebrated his 78th birthday, he remains enthusiastic about the next generation of thinkers and doers who are poised to engineer the future. By focusing on education, mentorship, and the ethical implications of technology, he hopes to inspire the next wave of innovators to harness the power of VR and AR for the betterment of all.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Having established himself as a leading figure in the field of VR and AR, Tom Furness continues to exhibit a strong commitment to transforming how humans interact with machines. His work through the Virtual World Society aims to further educate and engage the public regarding virtual interfaces and their potential to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. As technology continues to evolve, Dr. Furness stands at the forefront, advocating for a future where innovation is coupled with compassion and ethical consideration.
In interviews and public talks, Dr. Furness often emphasizes the importance of creating technologies that enhance the human experience, rather than detract from it. His forward-thinking approach serves as a guiding light for developers, educat
Highlights
I am thrilled to be joining Ori Inbar for a Virtual World Society Fireside Chat on Thursday, 25 July at 1:00p PT, as we reflect on the AWE Conference held in June at the Long Beach Conference Center. It was truly the most exciting and enlightening conference I've attended in my almost 60-year professional career! The love and camaraderie shared among attendees from various backgrounds made it unforgettable. Thanks to Ori's incredible vision and the AWE team's dedication, this event was a huge success.
Using the Engage platform, we will virtually meet in a Victoria Era Library setting, creating a cozy atmosphere in front of a fireplace. During our discussion, we will delve deeper into Ori's strategies for organizing the conference and his views on its impact on our community.
I am eager to learn from Ori about his vision for the future and how we can work together to advance this industry. This Fireside Chat promises to be a valuable experience for all participants. I invite you to join us for this insightful conversation.
Dr. Angelina Dayton,Mark Billinghurst, Trond Nilsen, Lorelle VanFossen, Alvin Wang Graylin, Louis Rosenberg, Avi Bar-Zeev, Laura Kusumoto, Linda Ricci-Jacobs, Christopher Lafayette, Dan Blair, Carolina Cruz-Neira, Marcus Shingles, Brittan Heller, Andrea Kates, Dace Campbell, Leslie Shannon, Paige Dansinger, Doug Hohulin, Maxwell McGee, M.Ed.,Matthew Cook, Savina GeorgievaFries, Christian Georgieva-Fries,
https://lnkd.in/gT7FmsAP
I am thrilled to remind you of our upcoming Virtual World Society Fireside Chat featuring Jeremy Dalton, Head of Metaverse Technologies at Price Waterhouse Cooper and Virtual World Society Historian. Join us tomorrow at 1:00p in Engage as Jeremy takes us on a journey through the evolution of sensory immersion from the past to the next 500 years. This promises to be both enlightening and enjoyable. Jeremy's insights are not to be missed! #VirtualReality #Metaverse #Technology #Innovation
