This event is open to everyone with an interest, especially teenagers, parents and teachers. Please note that teenagers under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.

We are currently witnessing the 'Fourth Industrial Revolution' that is fundamentally changing the way we live, work, and relate to one another. We already have billions of people connected by mobile phones and the Internet, giving rise to unprecedented connectivity, knowledge and data processing power. This revolution is already transforming societies and the global economy with disruptions like Facebook and Airbnb already here and more to come soon with breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and quantum computing.

Studying computer science can empower young people, making them both the creators and great beneficiaries of the future, but it is a stark reality that the UK currently has the lowest percentage of female computer engineering professionals in Europe. This is deeply concerning, as this new technology could have a disproportionately greater negative impact on women concerning jobs in particular. Attention is needed urgently, now.

Taking place on International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) on the 23 June, Women in Computer Science will address how knowledge of computing plays a major role in our future, how studying computing may empower young people, and how the pressing issues the gender gap presents to society needs to be tackled.

Chaired by Saadia Zahidi, Head of Education, Gender and Work of World Economic Forum and hosted by Maja Pantic, Professor of Affective and Behavioural Computing at Imperial College, London, the event will involve 5 inspirational women computer scientists and engineers to encourage and inspire our future leaders and pioneers in this area:

• Wendy Tan, MBE, General Partner, Entrepreneur First, Co-Founder and CEO, Moonfruit, Board Trustee Alan Turing Institute

• Dr Sharon Goldwater, University of Edinburgh School of Informatics, BCS Roger Needham Award 2016

• Dr Sabine Hauert, Lecturer in Robotics, University of Bristol, President & Co-founder, Robohub

• Dr Holly Cummins, Technical Lead, IBM Bluemix Garage London

• Maxine Mackintosh, Co-founder and Director, One HealthTech, Data Science PhD student, UCL

Each participant will give a 10-minute talk on their field of study and work, what makes them tick as the experts, and their personal story on how they decided to choose computer science as their profession.

We will engage the audience in a stimulating public debate and inspire young women to take charge of their destiny, openly discussing the importance of computer science for our digital future, why computer science can empower women, and how we can encourage more young women to become professionals in his exciting new area.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

The minimum age suggested is 13. Please note that all teenagers under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult and will need to provide ID.

What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?

The nearest tube is South Kensington on the District/Circle and Picadilly lines. Please find link to car parking from the college website : http://www.imperial.ac.uk/estates-facilities/travel/car-parking/

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please contact Teresa Ng on email at t.ng@imperial.ac.uk or via telephone on 020 7594 8300.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

A scan from your phone or ticket registration number is fine.

Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?

Your ticket can be trasferred to someone else but they will need to register their details upon arrival at the regisration desk.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

That is fine but you will need to register your details upon arrival at the regisration desk.