Jordan Aiko Deja (UP Famnit & De La Salle University) was one of the two Masters of Ceremonies (emcees) during the 11th Heidelberg Laureate Forum held in Sep 2024. The role of the emcee is a highly selective position of which the preparation usually lasts for around 8 months.
The Heidelberg Laureate Forum is a yearly event where 100 students each from Mathematics and Computer Science are carefully selected to partake, network and have the chance to interact for a week with ACM Turing Awardees, Fields Medalists, Nevellina Prize and other prestigious awardees who have made significant contribution in Mathematics and Computer Science. Jordan was an alumni of the said forum in September 2022. His co-emcee James Alexander Spann was also a PhD student who he met during the same year.
As emcees, they are given the important position to introduce and guide the solemn opening of the HLF. As alumni they interacted with fellow alumni and young researchers. They also got the chance to work closely with the Laureates and running some sessions that help the Young Researchers during the forum.
Jordan also co-organised the HCI@HLF meetup, which they also started in 2022. This mini event happens during the Boat Trip across the Neckar river. HCI researchers who are part of HLF get to interact with key personalities in HCI, Computer Graphics and Computing in General.
The HLF talks and key lectures are streamed and are available for viewing in Youtube. To view Jordan’s highlights during the opening ceremonies of the 11th HLF, you may watch the recording of the opening ceremonies from this link:
Applications for the 12th HLF (or HLF 2025) are now open. You may apply or view the details from this link: https://www.newsroom.hlf-foundation.org/news/article/call-for-applications-participation-in-the-12th-heidelberg-laureate-forum/