Developers Society - Google ML Paper Reading Club

By Cristina Correa and Society members Phyu, Janice and David

The Google ML Paper Reading Club, an initiative organised by the Developers Society with the support of Google, has emerged as a cornerstone for academic and technical growth within the University of Sunderland tech community. Throughout February, students and researchers gathered weekly to dissect ground breaking machine learning research papers, fostering an environment of collaborative learning and innovation. The club’s success not only enhanced participants’ understanding of AI and ML but also solidified Sunderland’s position as a hub for interdisciplinary research and technological advancement

Held every Tuesday in the Edinburgh Building, the sessions brought together students from diverse academic backgrounds, including Computer Systems Engineering, Biomedical Science and Business and Management; to explore recent advancements in machine learning applications for bioinformatics and medicine. The carefully selected papers, all published within the last six years, covered topics ranging from AI-driven medical diagnostics to innovative approaches in breast cancer detection and the classification of multiple sclerosis subtypes using unsupervised machine learning. The discussions were led by organisers Cristina Correa and Mihai Simionescu, who ensured each session was interactive, combining analytical debates with engaging quizzes to deepen participants’ comprehension.

Beyond theoretical discussions, the club had a tangible impact on the academic output of its members. Several attendees were inspired to co-author critical analyses and research summaries, contributing articles such as Using Machine Learning for Novel Breast Cancer Screening by Camila Fernandez, and Hybrid Approaches: Combining Biosensors and AI for Early Breast Cancer Detection by Kacy Long. These publications not only reinforced the students’ understanding but also demonstrated the practical applications of the knowledge gained. Building on this momentum, four participants are now collaborating with two university professors on machine learning applications in bioinformatics, with plans to submit their research paper to an international conference in the near future

Moreover, the club’s success was further amplified by Google, which provided participants with certificates, exclusive merchandise, and, most significantly, recognition as part of the Google AI Community Network. This prestigious affiliation, a first for any UK organisation, grants access to Google Cloud Platform credits for machine learning projects, global AI community talks and collaboration opportunities with leading researchers. For many attendees, this was a transformative opportunity, bridging the gap between academic study and real-world AI development

Participants highlighted how the ML Paper Reading Club transformed their academic and professional perspectives. Phyu Sin Mon, a Computer Systems Engineering student, described it as "one of the most enriching experiences" at the University of Sunderland. "We didn't just read papers, we debated ideas, tackled quizzes and challenged each other's understanding in a fun, respectful way," she explained. "The focus on breast cancer detection showed me how ML can address critical real-world health challenges. Beyond the academic growth, I made lasting connections with peers who share my passion for AI's potential in healthcare."

Janice Yip Wei Lan from Biomedical Science emphasized the club's interdisciplinary value: "What made these sessions special was gaining completely new perspectives from students in different fields. When we analysed papers about ML diagnostic methods, the computer science students would focus on the algorithms while we biomedical students could assess the clinical applications. This cross-pollination of ideas helped everyone develop more holistic understandings of the research." She particularly appreciated how "each session revealed new layers of insight that we might have missed studying alone."

What made the experience truly unique, according to participant David Okolie, was "how this Google-led initiative brought together diverse disciplines to analyse AI's real-world impact. Through examining ML applications in cancer detection, we gained practical insights while thoughtfully discussing the technology's limitations, conversations that made me eager to explore these concepts further."

All three participants agreed that the club's collaborative environment and real-world focus set it apart from traditional classroom learning. As Phyu noted, "This wasn't just theory, we saw how our discussions could actually contribute to medical advancements." Janice added, "The blend of technical depth and practical relevance is what makes me eager to participate in future sessions."

Without any doubt, the ML Paper Reading Club has set a precedent for future initiatives, proving that collaborative learning can drive both personal and community-wide growth. As the Developers Society continues to expand its AI-focused programmes under the Google AI Community Network, the University of Sunderland is poised to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the next generation of AI researchers and developers. For those eager to be part of this exciting journey, upcoming events and opportunities can be found on the Developers Society website, marking just the beginning of Sunderland’s growing impact on the world of artificial intelligence.