Duncan A. Buell, professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, will discuss issues in storing, retrieving, and protecting data online at the second monthly meeting of the Science Cafe at 6 p.m., Sept. 12 at Hush on Gervais St. in the Vista near the corner of Gervais and Park streets. Buell's topic is "How Our Life Online Can Get Our Life Out of Line: Data Mining, Networks, and Behavior."

"Critical to protecting data online is the ability to detect by automatic means attempts to access that data that are anomalous compared to normal access," Buell said. "We'll discuss briefly how this is done and, unfortunately, why data security will continue to be a major issue in the long term."

Science Cafe is organized by an informal group consisting of EngenuitySC, a strategic leadership council dedicated to guiding and coordinating initiatives that spur the creation and expansion of knowledge-oriented companies throughout the Columbia region, and the S.C. Citizen School for Nanotechnology.

It is a series held on the second Tuesday of the month. Locations and topics vary, and the organizing group is open to suggestions for both.

Meetings are free and open to the public. Food and drink service will be available during the meeting. Input, including ideas for speakers and topics, is welcome. Comments and questions can be sent to Rachel Card at rcard@engenuitysc.com.

The Science Cafe started in England and is based on the French Cafe Philosophique. The idea, according to cafe organizers, is to bring together people from all aspects of the local community to hear an informal introduction to an interesting current scientific topic led by an expert.

The goal is an interactive event with questions, chat, networking, and discussions in a casual setting. Meetings are not a class or seminar, but rather a chance for the public to learn more and express an opinion.

To reserve a space at the Science Cafe or for more information, contact Tory Sojourner at tsojourner@sagaciouspartners.com.

9/06