Mapping Our Stories through Data

Discover the Power of Your Local Data

Ever wondered how historical records from centuries past can become powerful tools for understanding today's challenges? Join us for an inspiring hands-on workshop where community members, activists, and local residents will explore how data visualisation—particularly mapping technologies—can amplify underrepresented voices and drive real social change.

This unique event showcases groundbreaking work from Northeastern University London, featuring the acclaimed Mapping Black London project and innovative student-led initiatives that are revealing hidden stories and tackling environmental challenges right here in Tower Hamlets and beyond.

What You'll Experience

🎯 Interactive Workshop: Mapping Black London

Work directly with Prof Olly Ayers, Dr Renee Landell, and student researchers to transform historical archives into modern mapping applications. You'll play a hands-on role in uncovering London's multiracial heritage whilst exploring urgent questions of identity and belonging that resonate today.

💬 Expert Panel Discussion

Led by Turing Fellow Prof Alexandros Koliousis, hear from specialists across data science, digital humanities, history, literature, and environmental science. Learn how data visualisation can be a powerful tool for social justice and community empowerment.

Panelists:

• Dr Alistair Robinson
• Dr Catherine Brown
• Dr Dimitrios Mylonas
• Mark Martin MBE

🌍 Interactive Geovisualisation Demos and Networking

Get hands-on with cutting-edge mapping platforms developed right here in our community, including:

• Air quality analysis tools
• Community story mapping applications
• Environmental monitoring systems

Who Should Attend?

This event is designed for everyone—no technical background required! We particularly welcome:

• Local residents from Tower Hamlets and surrounding boroughs
• Community groups and activists
• Heritage organisation members
• Environmental campaigners
• Local government workers
• Anyone curious about using data to understand and improve their local area

Why This Matters

We're challenging the myth that data science is only for university-educated professionals. Whether you're concerned about air quality, housing challenges, or preserving community heritage, you're already working with data. We'll show you how to harness its full potential.

What You'll Gain:

• Practical geovisualisation skills (no prerequisites needed)
• Direct involvement in ongoing research about your community
• Tools to address real challenges like environmental monitoring and heritage preservation
• Connection to ongoing citizen science and community mapping projects

Our Commitment to Community

This isn't just another tech event. We're specifically working with Tower Hamlets—one of London's most diverse and vibrant boroughs—to ensure that data science serves social justice rather than just technical innovation. Your lived experience and community expertise will enhance, not diminish, the technical work we'll explore together.

Join us in discovering how your stories, your data, and your community knowledge can create powerful tools for change.

Light refreshments provided • Accessible venue • All welcome

Ready to map your story?