Ada Lovelace A Day of Inspiration for Young Women in STEM

Shaping Tomorrow: Inspiring Female Computer Scientists at the University of Nottingham

As AI grows, students must grasp its significance and the potential impact on their futures. In celebration of Ada Lovelace Day, over 150 students from local schools will participate in engaging computer science activities focused on AI on October 8th and 9th. These events will be organized by Dr. Marjahan Begum and her team from the University of Nottingham’s School of Computer Science. To honor the contributions of women in science, technology engineering, and mathematics, the Ada Lovelace Day event is organized globally to inspire more girls to consider careers in STEM fields.

Ada Lovelace, the only daughter of Lord Byron, is celebrated for being the first to recognize the potential of the Analytical Engine, Charles Babbage's early computer. She is often referred to as the "first computer programmer."The University of Nottingham, ranked 32nd in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings Europe 2024 is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities.

They are collaborating with students from the Women in Computer Science Society and the Computer Science Society to offer activities highlighting the AI revolution and its potential impact on the future. This event provided a groundbreaking opportunity for young girls aged 8 and 9 years from the Nottingham University Academy of Science and Technology (NUAST) to spend a day on campus, where they will gain knowledge from AI scientists and students about their innovative work. They’ll also engage in hands-on activities with BBC Micro and participate in an unplugged activity to learn more about AI concepts. Additionally, there will also be a workshop focusing on responsible AI. The team is also hosting a similar event at Medcity, in collaboration with Ignite, in which around 150 students participate from different parts of Nottinghamshire. 

This university group is dedicated to giving a transformative educational experience and aims to unlock student potential, inspired by their founder Sir Jesse Boot. The university has also expanded its global reach with campuses in China and Malaysia. Nottingham University ranks seventh for research power in the UK, with significant innovations such as MRI and ibuprofen that tackle global issues like sustainable food supply and reducing fossil fuel use. The university is a major employer, with its graduates being the second most sought-after by top UK employers, according to a 2022 High Fliers Research report. Additionally, it leads the Universities for Nottingham initiative with Nottingham Trent University to improve the prosperity and well-being of residents.

Editor's Note: 

Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day is an important step towards inspiring young girls to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The upcoming activities at the University of Nottingham will highlight the importance of AI in education and it will also empower the next generation of female computer scientists. With hands-on experiences and insights from experts, these events aim to ignite curiosity and foster a passion for innovation. To celebrate the contribution of women in STEM and encourage young minds to envision their future in these dynamic fields such events need to be organized. Skoobuzz hopes that young girls will acquire a range of skills from this event, helping to create a more inclusive and diverse technological landscape.