Latest
Women in Computing Event: Join us for Robots, Live Tech Demos and Interactive Games
Join us for your 'Hour of Code' during Computer Science Education Week
Wednesday 11 December 2024, 9 am - 2.30 pm
Featuring
- Inspiring talks
- Engaging panel discussions
- Interactive Q&A sessions on topics such as robotics and technology for good
- An exhibition of leading tech companies
This event invites pupils from local Scottish schools.
Schools interested in attending should contact Mel Aiken (mba@stge.org.uk) for P6 and older students. Spaces are limited, but we will do our best to accommodate everyone.
This is our 2nd Women in Computing Event dedicated to helping address the gender gap by inspiring girls to take their first steps towards a future in computing, helping to break barriers and open doors to careers where they are still underrepresented. It is a unique opportunity designed to empower young girls to explore, engage, and excel in computing and technology.
Computing Science uptake in Scotland faces challenges for girls
- Computing Science uptake in Scotland faces challenges, especially for girls due to limited teacher access and significant gender disparity. Currently, girls only account for one in five entries to Higher Computing Science.
- This event aims to address these challenges directly by inspiring students to explore and pursue careers in technology. Our mission is to inspire, empower, and provide hands-on experiences that highlight the range of careers available in technology.
- The event will feature successful women in computing and technology, demonstrating to visiting students that "if you can see it, you can be it." Surrounded by role models, attendees will see firsthand what’s possible and be motivated to pursue a future in the computing and technology sector.
- Through keynote speeches, live panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and interactive workshops, students will learn about the exciting possibilities in tech and gain real-world skills.
- This collaborative event brings together industry leaders, former St George’s alumnae, and educators to provide a real-world, hands-on learning experience. Unlike conventional workshops, students can immerse themselves in cutting-edge technologies across fields like robotics, programming, AI, VR, and cybersecurity.
- With major industry players contributing their expertise, students will be inspired by real-world applications, interacting directly with those shaping the future of tech.
- This event serves as a platform for collaboration among industry leaders, schools, and stakeholders, building a foundation for future initiatives that support diversity and innovation in the tech industry.
The Event's Three Pathways: Lead, Innovate, and Code
Students rotate through three pathways—Lead, Innovate, and Code —spending an hour in each section to gain diverse experiences.
Lead
Focused on non-coding roles like leadership, product management, and design. Companies such as i-confidential, AND Digital, Storm ID, Smart Data Foundry, and GlobalLogic will lead workshops on cybersecurity, AI, data tech, and creative problem-solving in tech.
Innovate
Explore cutting-edge technology in action. Experience live demonstrations of advanced robots from The University of Edinburgh's SLMC department, and meet Marty the Robot, presented by Robotical.
The National Robotarium features demos with robots like Spot and Ameca. FCLabs presents wearable neurotech, and APRIL Hub showcases cutting-edge AI tools. This pathway emphasises hands-on experience with advanced technologies.
Code
Ideal for those wanting to program. DressCode and Rewriting the Code help students stay focused during building block and Python coding challenges.
Keynote Address:
Keynote Address: Inspiring Journeys in Tech
Blessing Adogame, Community Development Manager, Rewriting the Code
Blessing shares her exciting journey from Microsoft UX Product Manager to a global leader in digital transformation and empowering future tech innovators.
Robotics Panel Discussion:
Robotics of the Future: Explore, Innovate, Translate:
University of Edinburgh and Robotical
Sethu Vijayakumar and Elle Miller from the University of Edinburgh’s Robotics Lab will lead a discussion on the future of robotics, joined by Natalya Ratner from Robotical, exploring advancements in AI and human-machine interaction.
Demonstration:
Blair and Lisa (the humans) and Spot and Ameca (the robots)
Watch Spot, Boston Dynamics' robotic dog and Ameca, the world's most advanced humanoid robot, live in action from Edinburgh's National Robotarium.
Discussion:
Girls Can Code Fireside Chat
Abbie McCallum, Software Engineer and TechWomen100 2022 Winner
Toni Scullion, Founder of dressCode and Computing Science Scotland will host a chat with Abbie McCallum, an award-winning software engineer at Natwest sharing their insights from the tech industry.
Tech for a Better World Panel Discussion:
AND Digital, Smart Data Foundry, Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society
Discover how AI, data, and sustainability-focused innovation are shaping the future, with insights from Joanna Masraff AND Digital, Dr Lucy Lloyd Smart Data Foundry, and Dr Giulia De Togni Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society. Learn how they use technology for positive change from AI solutions to tackling the climate crisis.
Keynote Address:
Entrepreneurship in Tech
Tynah Matembe Founder of MoneyMatix
Tynah shares her journey of building a fintech company focused on financial inclusion and how entrepreneurialism in the tech world can drive social good.
Exhibitor Stalls
There are 3 types of interactive exhibitor stalls:
Lead - Meet with leaders in tech for non-programmers
i-confidential
MoneyMatix
Stormid ID
Smart Data Foundry
GlobalLogic and guests
AND Digital
FreeAgent
Skyscanner
Turing Fest
Innovate - Live demos and interactive games with real robots
Robotics@The University of Edinburgh
Robotical
The National Robotarium
APRIL Hub and guests
FCLabs
Code - Learn to code with our dedicated coding sessions
Rewriting the code and guests
Amazon
dressCode and guests
Contact Jack Walker at jjw@stge.org.uk to learn how to exhibit.
This event is more than a showcase—it is a collective effort to inspire the next generation and show girls what is truly possible in the world of technology.
Download the full programme