This year's NI Science Festival will see online start-up community, Startacus run three interconnected events which aim to examine the diversity of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) talent in Northern Ireland and where we can expect growth to rise from.
The free online events will explore themes around artificial intelligence (AI) and bias, STEM development in schools and the workplace, and tech growth and entrepreneurship.
Taking place from 23 - 25 February, the STEMS events are afternoon sessions, each lasting around one hour and 15 minutes. Each will include a keynote speaker, an industry leading panel and a Northern Ireland-based female founder showcasing their relevant start-up to the audience.
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Key speakers and panelists so far confirmed for the three online events include:
Furkan Karayel - an award-winning inclusive leadership advisor
Naomi Timperley - Top 50 Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK IT 2018, 2019 & 2020
Scarlet Jeffers - Co-founder, Clario. Scarlet co-founded her latest product and company, Clario, two years ago. Featured in multiple ‘Top Women to Watch in STEM’ lists in recent years.
Gillian Armstrong - A Software Engineer for more than 15 years who is a passionate advocate of Ethical and Human-Centred AI.
Dave Graham - a technologist at Dell Technologies looking at how technology shapes the world and supporting their work within the World Economic Forum specifically around AI Governance
Matrix NI, the Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel, is partnering with Startacus on the events, and Dr Rob Grundy, Matrix NI Chair said: “Matrix is delighted to support this event, bringing together as it does some key themes from the Matrix work plan – developing STEM skills, women in STEM and AI.
"Post-Covid, STEM skills will be more important than ever and we want women and girls to feel confident and empowered about using science and technology to achieve their career goals.”
Alastair Cameron, Startacus Co-Founder added: "It is anticipated that we will create a digital time capsule, a recording for attendees to re-visit 12 months on to consider how much has changed within 12 months and also how much has been achieved.
"Alongside Matrix NI we are also delighted that Bazaarvoice and Glandore are also supporting these important events as community sponsors.”
Chris McCreery, Director of NI Science Festival said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with Startacus and Matrix NI to explore these important STEM subjects and issues during NI Science Festival 2021.
"The pandemic has underlined as never before the importance of STEM to the community and highlights how vital it is for us to have a workforce with the skills to meet such challenges."
Click here to book free tickets for any or all of the online events.
Source: Startacus
