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Barry Smith is professor of philosophy, computer science, and biomedical informatics and also Director of the National Center for Ontological Research. Ontology is the study of how to build robust category systems that can be used to promote interoperability of data both within and across organizations. They nowadays also for the basis of the sorts of high-quality Knowledge Graphs used in Large Language Models. Smith’s ontology ideas form the basis of an international ontology standard (ISO/IEC 21838), which is used in some 700 ontology projects throughout the world. His students now have leadership roles in ontology-driven research centers in multiple domains, including biomedicine, defense and security. He has initiated in the University at Buffalo online Masters and PhD programs Applied Ontology. Reflecting the high demand for persons with ontology expertise in government, the initial intake for this program comprises primarily professionals from Washington DC.
Connect with https://www.linkedin.com/in/phismith/him to learn more.
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Here are Five Things We Cover:
- Importance of Ontologies: Ontologies are critical for enabling data interoperability across different domains and timeframes. They establish a common framework that helps merge and understand data, such as in biomedicine during the Human Genome Project or in the automotive industry over the long lifecycle of car production.
- Career Opportunities for Non-STEM Students: Non-STEM graduates can find lucrative career opportunities in the tech industry by becoming ontologists. Barry’s students, some of whom do not have a background in computer science, have successfully landed roles as ontologists with starting salaries around $175,000.
- Industry Demand: There is a growing demand for ontologists in various sectors including tech companies like Amazon, banks, the Department of Defense, and intelligence agencies. These organizations need ontologists to create and manage knowledge graphs to improve the reliability of AI and data systems.
- Skills and Traits of a Successful Ontologist: Successful ontologists should have strong pen-and-paper skills, question and answer capabilities, and the ability to translate complex domain knowledge into logical definitions. Knowledge of tools like Protege is also beneficial.
- Educational Pathways and Resources: Barry Smith highlights several avenues for gaining expertise in ontology, including enrolling in programs at the University at Buffalo, participating in global conferences on ontology, and resources like the book “Building Ontologies with Basic Formal Ontology” and Barry’s YouTube videos on the topic.
Here are Three Actionable Takeaways From This Episode
- Enroll in Relevant Educational Programs: Research and apply for specialized programs in ontology or related fields that offer robust curricula and opportunities for research and practical application.
- Utilize Online Resources and Tools: Start with the foundational book “Building Ontologies with Basic Formal Ontology” and explore Barry Smith’s YouTube channel for tutorials and insights. Also, download and familiarize yourself with Protege to get hands-on experience with ontology tools.
- Network within the Ontology Community: Attend conferences such as the Formal Ontology and Information Systems Conference and participate in weekly online workshops organized by experts in the field. These events will help you connect with industry professionals and stay updated on the latest developments.