Peter William McOwan (1962–2019): The Polymath of Perception and Public Science
Peter William McOwan was a transformative figure in British science, uniquely positioned at the intersection of applied physics, computer science, and cognitive psychology. As a Professor of Computer Science and Vice-Principal at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), McOwan’s career was defined by an unusual synthesis: using the rigorous laws of physics to decode the mysteries of human perception, and using the wonder of stage magic to teach the complexities of mathematics.
1. Biography: From Physics to Perception
Born in 1962, Peter McOwan’s academic journey began in the traditional physical sciences. He earned his undergraduate degree in Physics from the University of Edinburgh, followed by an MSc in Medical Physics from the University of Aberdeen. He completed his PhD in Applied Physics at King’s College London in 1991, where his research focused on optical computing and image processing.
His career trajectory saw him move from the study of light and matter to the study of how biological systems interpret that light. After postdoctoral work at King’s College London, he joined Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), where he eventually became a Professor of Computer Science. In 2012, he was appointed Vice-Principal for Public Engagement and Student Enterprise, a role that allowed him to institutionalize his belief that science belongs to everyone.
McOwan passed away unexpectedly in 2019 at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy of interdisciplinary innovation that bridged the gap between the laboratory and the classroom.
2. Major Contributions: Vision, Robotics, and Magic
McOwan’s intellectual contributions were characterized by "computational modeling of biological systems." His work generally fell into three groundbreaking categories:
Biological Vision and Motion
McOwan developed computational models that mimicked how the human brain processes visual information. By applying principles of physics to neural networks, he helped explain how we perceive motion and depth, particularly through the study of "optical flow"—the pattern of apparent motion of objects in a visual scene.
Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
He was a lead investigator in the EU-funded LIREC (Living with Robots and Interactive Companions) project. His work focused on "socially aware" AI—designing robots that could read human emotions and respond with appropriate social cues, making them more acceptable as long-term companions in homes and hospitals.
The Science of Magic
Perhaps his most famous contribution was the "Q-Magic" project. McOwan used Artificial Intelligence to design brand-new magic tricks. By using genetic algorithms to explore the limits of human perception and psychological "blind spots," he demonstrated that computers could be creative partners in the performing arts.
3. Notable Publications
McOwan was a prolific author, balancing high-impact peer-reviewed papers with accessible educational books.
- "A computational model of the perception of motion in images" (Various journals): His technical papers on spatiotemporal filters provided a mathematical framework for understanding how the primary visual cortex detects movement.
- "The Little Book of Algorithms" (2014): Co-authored with Paul Curzon, this book (and the series it spawned) became a cornerstone of computer science education in the UK.
- "The Power of Computational Thinking" (2017): This book explored how the techniques used by computer scientists to solve problems can be applied to everyday life and other scientific disciplines.
- "Magic by Design" (2014): A research paper detailing how an AI program developed by his team successfully created a "magic jigsaw" trick that fooled human audiences, published in Frontiers in Psychology.
4. Awards & Recognition
McOwan’s ability to communicate complex ideas earned him significant national accolades:
- The Mountbatten Medal (2011): Awarded by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of electronics and IT.
- Fellow of the British Computer Society (BCS): Recognized for his leadership in the field.
- The Queen’s Anniversary Prize: He played a pivotal role in QMUL winning this prestigious award for its work in public engagement and the cs4fn (Computer Science for Fun) project.
5. Impact & Legacy: Computer Science for Fun (cs4fn)
McOwan’s most enduring legacy is cs4fn (Computer Science for Fun), a global educational campaign he co-founded with Professor Paul Curzon. This project produces a magazine and website distributed to thousands of schools, using magic tricks, puzzles, and "unplugged" activities to teach coding and physics concepts without the need for a computer.
His work significantly influenced the UK’s National Curriculum for Computing, shifting the focus from "ICT" (using software) to "Computer Science" (understanding the physics and logic behind the software). He proved that "computational thinking" was a literacy as vital as reading or writing.
6. Collaborations
McOwan was a quintessential collaborator, often working at the fringes of different departments:
- Paul Curzon: His primary partner in science communication and education at QMUL.
- The LIREC Consortium: He collaborated with experts in ethology (animal behavior) to see if robots could mimic the social bonding found between humans and dogs.
- The Magic Circle: As a member of the Inner Magic Circle, he collaborated with professional magicians to investigate the psychology of deception, using their insights to improve computer security and user interface design.
7. Lesser-Known Facts
- The "Magic" AI: One of the magic tricks his AI designed involved a "mind-reading" deck of cards. The AI found a mathematical sequence so complex that a human could not easily spot the pattern, but simple enough for a magician to execute secretly.
- Sci-Fi Consultant: Because of his expertise in robotics and AI, he was frequently sought after by the media to comment on the realism of science fiction, including the ethics of films like Ex Machina.
- The "Unplugged" Pioneer: He was a vocal advocate for teaching computer science through physical movement and card tricks, famously stating:
"you don't need a screen to learn how a processor thinks; you just need a deck of cards and a sense of wonder."
Conclusion
Peter McOwan was a rare breed of scientist who viewed the "hard" physics of the world and the "soft" psychology of the mind as two sides of the same coin. By applying the rigor of an applied physicist to the whimsy of a stage magician, he demystified the digital age for millions of students. His work remains a testament to the idea that science is most powerful when it is most accessible.