TV maths whizz Hannah Fry among speakers at DataSummit 

Television maths whizz Hannah Fry is among the stellar list of speakers unveiled at this year’s DataSummit in Edinburgh.

Hosted at the prestigious Balmoral Hotel in the city, Mike Berners-Lee, the climate researcher and brother of Sir Tim, will also line up with science broadcaster Professor Kevin Fong OBE on November 23.

The event this year will return to an ‘in-person’ format and streamed online with a focus on ‘our data’ helping governments, healthcare organisations and businesses understand and fight the pandemic.

Data Summit 2021 – hosted by innovation centre The Data Lab – will outline the ways data can be used to grow the economy, address social issues and increase Scotland’s knowledge base.

Gillian Docherty OBE, CEO, The Data Lab, said: “The pandemic has bought into razor sharp focus the importance of technology to keep Scotland’s economy moving. As we look ahead towards our economic and social recovery and helping to build a better Scotland, we know that data and AI will undoubtedly play an increasingly crucial role in reshaping our economy, as well as helping solve some of the world’s most pressing issues, including climate change.

“This year’s Data Summit will pose key questions for everyone to consider – whether from industry, the public sector or academia – as well as acting as a way for the community to come together and encourage innovation to the benefit of the wider economy.”

The event will showcase Scotland’s innovative spirit and highlight the organisations leading the way in data and AI, as well as encourage others to follow suit to drive innovation and economic growth in their own organisation.

The one-day programme will also include debates into the ethical use of data, and highlight how the data community can work together to empower people to better understand the ethical issues associated with data ownership.

Data Summit has a limited number of in-person tickets available to delegates, which can be purchased online here: https://bit.ly/3lF4k7R. The keynote sessions will be free to watch virtually, and online registration can be accessed via this link: https://bit.ly/2XOEZQG  

Data Summit will follow The Data Lab’s #OurPlanet DataFest, which will explore environmental and climate change themes and highlight how data and AI can help to shape the future of the planet for the greater good. Delegates of the free-to-attend virtual event will hear from a collection of speakers including Ann Daniels, the polar explorer, and Ruchir Shah of Scottish Wildlife Trust. Those interested in joining the conference virtually on Tuesday, 5 October, can register for tickets here.