On Tuesday 13th October 2020, the University’s Information Services team are running a range of events to celebrate Ada Lovelace Day 2020 which is an international celebration day of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

This year #ALD2020 will have a series of lightning talks, fun & impactful Wikipedia editing activities and evening networking events. With social distancing restrictions in place it is even more important that we come together online to celebrate and support one another this year.

#WomenInSTEM assemble!

Programme overview

The day is split in four parts:

• 12pm-1pm: Lunchtime lightning talks – online Zoom meeting.
• 1.30-5pm: Women in STEM- a Wikipedia editing event to create new articles focused on the lives and contributions of notable women in science, technology, engineering and maths.
• 5pm-7pm: Networking event – Women in STEM Society.
• 7pm-8.15pm: Networking event – Women in Chemistry.

All events are open to staff and students at University of Edinburgh. Book to attend one session, two, three or all four.

Booking details

1. Lightning Talks – book here

• 12pm-12:10pm – Housekeeping and welcome from Melissa Highton, Assistant Principal for Online Learning.
• 12.10pm to 1pm – Lightning talks.
  • Professor Jane Hillston, Deputy Vice Principal for Research and Head of School of Informatics will reflect on her experiences and the importance of mentors in STEM careers.
  • Dr. Athina Frantzana–   along with the Edinburgh University Women in STEM (EUWiSTEM) Society, Spread the Word  conducted an investigation into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students’ experiences of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at the University of Edinburgh. Athina will present her findings.
  • Kirsty Lingstadt, Head of Digital Library, and Mike Boyd, manager of UCreate Makerspace will introduce the huge range of creative making opportunities available to students and staff at the University of Edinburgh.
  • Dr. Victoria Madden, Digital Safety Officer will present her findings which highlight the experiences of women online.
  • Lilinaz Rouhani, Equality and Data Officer will present the findings from her research into how different groups have experienced the shift to working digitally from home.
  • Ruth Boreham, writer and researcher will tell us stories of  Ada Lovelace‘s Scottish mentor, Mary Somerville after whom the data centre at Kings Buildings is named.

2. The Wikipedia editathon on Zoom – book here

• 1:30pm – Wikipedia training begins.
• 2:15pm to 4:15pm – Editing (see suggested worklist of articles to create/improve).
• 4.15pm to 5pm – Transferring to Wikipedia’s live space.

3. Evening networking event – Women in STEM Society (5-7pm)

Book here.

For Ada Lovelace 2020 we will be virtually celebrating our role models with lightning talks, followed by a networking social to allow students to meet each other, industry professionals and our amazing speakers.

5:00pm: Welcome and Introduction

5:10pm: Lightning Talks

• • – Dr Alexis Cartwright-Taylor
  • – Nathalia Rus
  • – Dr Rosa Santomartino
  • – Maxim Cramer
• 6:00pm: Networking sessions x 3
• 7:00pm: End

4. Evening networking event – Women in Chemistry (7-8.15pm)

Book here.

Hosted by the School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh and ScotChem this free online event will feature talks from our invited speakers followed by a panel discussion to raise awareness, promote discussion and celebrate women in STEM. Our speakers include:

• – Dame Athena Donald, University of Cambridge.
• – Debra Carr, DASA.
• – Hilary Jones, Chair of the Brewing Industry Leadership Group.
• – Aruna Ivaturi, University of Strathclyde.
• – Kiani Jeacock, University of Edinburgh.

Additional details on the Wikipedia editing event, including article to be created or improved:

• Wikipedia:University of Edinburgh/Events and Workshops/Ada Lovelace Day 2020

We are also currently accepting nominations for suggested Wikipedia articles:

• Nominate your STEM heroine 

The following resources are all presented by or feature influential women in STEM and are recommended by the Digital Skills and Training team, Information Services Group.

• LinkedIn Learning – ALD 2020 collection

The Digital Skills and Training team have a wealth of resources around the topics of data and programming. Take a look at some of our online resources and webinars below, and book your place to develop your skills in the spirit of Ada Lovelace:

1. Basic Data Visualisations, 13^th October 10.30am: Book here.
2. Developing Your Data Skills Programme: Book here.
3. Online Learning: Introduction to Python:  Book here.
4. Online Learning: Python for Data Science: Book here.

We also have a new ‘Introduction to Programming’ webinar coming up in the next few weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for the pilot announcement!