Thomas Goodman
PhD student Tom Goodman

University of Birmingham Computer Science PhD student Tom Goodman has been crowned the future face of technology and innovation.

Tom clinched the title in this year’s Future Faces Awards, run by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, which celebrate the rising stars of Birmingham's business community.

Anjum Khan, a director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and chairwoman of the judging panel, said: "Every year when these awards come around, we never fail to be amazed by the quality and variety of the entries.

"It's a true testament to some of the wonderful things young people are doing across the region, whether it be in creative industries, professional services, technology, marketing, the public and third sectors, apprenticeships or through entrepreneurial spirit.

"The judges were very impressed by the standard this year.”

The news comes after earlier this year Tom became one of the youngest people to have been awarded a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.

The award recognises those who have demonstrated a commitment to, and a sustained effectiveness in, the advancement of teaching and management in the higher education sector - with a particular focus on leadership.

In 2015, Tom joined the school as an undergraduate in Computer Science and is now completing his PhD. His research is in pitch detection of acoustic music, creating mathematical models of complex musical structures, and using these models to elicit useful information not available through standard musical notation.

In 2016, Tom founded HackTheMidlands with Liam Sorta and became CEO when the organisation became incorporated in 2019. His work has also been recognised in other awards, including ‘Rising Star in Tech’ in the Silicon Canal Awards 2019.

Tom said:  "It’s such an honour to be recognised in so many ways and I am incredibly excited about what the future holds and my role in shaping the future of technology and innovation.”