The biggest data and artificial intelligence festival in the UK is set to return on 25th March
The Data Lab, Scotland's innovation centre for data and AI, has announced that DataFest21, the UK's biggest data and artificial intelligence festival, will launch on Thursday 25th March!
Article Source: The Data Lab
Last Updated: 15 March 2021 12:55
Now in its fifth year, DataFest21 will explore the theme ‘#OurData’, underlining how important our data is to the growth of the economy, social progress and knowledge base, whilst encouraging debate on ethics and deepening understanding of data ownership.
Hosted by Maggie Philbin, broadcaster and CEO of TeenTech - an award-winning charity which helps young people navigate the opportunities in STEM industries - the launch event will feature talks from Dr Leyla Acaroglu; an award-winning designer, sociologist, and sustainability expert who is internationally recognised as a leading force in the movement for a sustainable and circular future, alongside Sir David Spiegelhalter; Winton Professor for the Public Understanding of Risk, and Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Cambridge, who was awarded a Knighthood for his services to statistics in 2014.
More speakers will be announced for future DataFest21 events in the coming months.
To mark this year’s series of virtual events running from March to November, the theme #OurData will also encompass discussions and events on #OurPlanet, covering environment and climate change; #OurPeople, reviewing social elements such as health and wellbeing; and #OurFuture, uncovering the companies and technologies that will shape the decades to come.
Each key topic will be highlighted in a series of discussions and events spanning three weeks, and will be spread out throughout the year, bringing together a variety of different, thought-provoking talks, talent, and tech.
Rounding off this year’s festival will be DataSummit, which is expected to take place as a hybrid event – combining virtual and physical activities – in November, bringing together industry professionals to discuss and digest inspirational and innovative examples of using data for good.
Gillian Docherty, CEO of The Data Lab, said: “Like many others, we have taken our events online this year and we have been working tirelessly over the last twelve months to make sure they’re as fascinating and engaging as our previous festivals.
“We are thrilled to have Maggie Philbin kick off this year’s launch event, and the likes of Dr Leyla Acaroglu and Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter joining us as keynote speakers. We’re really looking forward to hearing their inspirational stories and insights into what the future holds with this year’s theme, #OurData.
“To celebrate the very best of Scottish innovation we have adapted our usual formats, with DataTalent and DataTech tweaked to cater to an online audience, and we are also hopeful that our annual Data Summit can take place later in the year, giving us the chance to connect with peers in person as well as virtually.”
Maggie Philbin, said: “Now more than ever, DataFest is a crucial platform to showcase Scotland as the global leader in data innovation. Year on year, DataFest provides a fundamental programme of events allowing for discussions to take place with likeminded individuals from industry, academia, and the public sector - bringing them together to share their knowledge and prepare for the future ahead.
“DataFest has been a highlight in my calendar for the last few years and I am thrilled to be back and be able to kickstart this year’s discussion with such great speakers and The Data Lab team, focusing on the impact of #OurData. Together we can use data to inspire and encourage collaboration for the benefit of people, planet, and the future.”
“I learn so much from the terrific blend of speakers who bring deep knowledge from many different areas. The whole series of events will provide compelling insight into the most important questions of our time. And it’s all done in such an engaging, fun and inclusive way.”
For more information and to register for the upcoming launch event, visit: www.datafest.global
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween Festival delivers a frightfully fun weekend for all
Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
A decade of cultural impact to be celebrated at anniversary concert
Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween festival shows visitors a wicked good time!
Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.
READ MORE
The Beat the Street Renfrewshire winners are announced
The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!
READ MORE
Paisley crowned as Town Of The Year
Judges in the Scotland Loves Local Awards awarded the title after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town's 'resurgence' amid unprecedented investment in its future.
READ MORE
Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk
The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE
Braehead just got cooler as Snowflake Gelato debuts in Scotland
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, is delighted to announce the arrival of Snowflake Gelato.
READ MORE
Community curated film festival brings world class cinema to Greenock this Galoshans Festival
Free and low-cost screenings showcase Horror, Heritage, and Homegrown Talent selected by local curators and young people.
READ MORE
Aldi to open a pop up pumpkin patch in Renfrew this Halloween for one day only
Families are in for a spook-tacular surprise this Halloween, as Aldi is transforming part of its Renfrew store into a pop-up Pumpkin Patch on Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
Halloween takes over town this weekend
Paisley Halloween Festival will return this weekend with a packed programme to fright and delight visitors!
READ MORE
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
Horror Con Scotland takes over Paisley Town Hall this Halloween Weekend
Scotland's scariest convention is heading to Renfrewshire for a two-day Halloween spectacular!
READ MORE
Help Provost Cameron light up Renfrewshire this Christmas
Renfrewshire's Provost, Lorraine Cameron is once again inviting children of primary school age to design a Christmas card for 2025.
READ MORE
Grab some Buddie Good Deals here in Paisley town centre this October!
Grab some Buddie Good Deals in Paisley town centre from Saturday 11th October until Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire remembers mine workers with new memorial cairn
A memorial cairn and plaque has been unveiled in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park to remember the men who lost their lives working in the Muirshiel Barytes Mine between 1942 and 1969.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire set for spectacular season of festive events
Renfrewshire is gearing up for another bumper season of fantastic festive events with an array of free, fun-filled activities for all!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links