Pupils and parents can find out all about smart technologies and their job opportunities with a free online event today, delivered by an award-winning Queen’s University Belfast science communicator.
Dr Georgios Karakonstantis is a Senior Lecturer at The Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT) at Queen’s.
He is hosting an event today (23 February) from 5-6pm entitled ‘Imagining a world with smart computing technologies’ to introduce pupils aged 14 and over to the new 'Smart World' and the computing career opportunities it offers.
Attendees will be able to learn how regions are being transformed into Smart Cities with Internet-of-Things, improving the way we live and work and creating a new global market based on smart computing technologies.
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The event is part of Dr Karakonstantis’ ‘Get Smarter’ initiative, for which he received an Ingenious Award from the Royal Academy of Engineering for engaging audiences about engineering concepts in creative ways.
More than 400 parents and pupils have already attended his sessions, in which he provides insights into the work of computer scientists and engineers, through a collaboration with W5 Discovery Centre.
Various other experts from the university's ECIT are involved in ‘Get Smarter’, showing how their work contributes towards Belfast's transformation into a ‘Smart City’ and inspiring others to consider similar careers.
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Dr Karakonstantis said: “Cities and industries around the world are going to be transformed via new smart technologies over the next decade.
“To enable this transition, computer scientists and engineers need to inform the public about the opportunities and stimulate more people to follow a career in computing.
“By opening the virtual doors of our university during this unprecedented period, we hope to reach out to many people in Northern Ireland and inspire the next computing innovators and computing ambassadors.”
Information about all events is available at www.nisciencefestival.com.
Visit the festival website or email getsmarterni@qub.ac.uk for booking details.
