Your data, your story

How do we best visualise data? And what ethical questions arise – especially when it’s our own personal data?

Every day, we generate vast amounts of data – from social media and fitness trackers to bank transactions and health records. Data visualisation helps us make sense of this information, revealing patterns, stories and insights that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In this hands-on, interactive workshop, you’ll explore innovative and creative ways to visualise data – from sketching to Lego.

You’ll gain a fresh perspective on the power and potential of personal data, as well as the ethical considerations that come with it. Along the way, you’ll learn about cutting-edge data science and visualisation research happening right here in Scotland.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a data enthusiast, this session invites you to think critically and ethically about the data that shapes our lives.

This event is an interactive workshop so may involve talking in groups, hands-on activities, small individual or group tasks and self-reflection. You can be as involved as you feel comfortable doing so and will never be required to take part in an activity if you do not wish to do so. Pens and notepads will be provided.

Important points to note

• This event is suitable for age 16+

• Filming/photography: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed.
• Covid-19: If you would like to wear a face mask, please feel comfortable to do so at our events. Please be mindful of other participants and stay at home if you have Covid symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.
• Please note that Curious events taking place in ‘The Workshop’ are only wheelchair accessible via our main lift. The lift’s door has a width of 79cm and the lift has a depth of 143cm. Please note, that access to the lift is limited by a narrow 77cm width corridor. Accessible toilet facilities for activities taking place in this space are also accessed by the main lift. Please contact us at Curious@therse.org.uk if you would like further information or visit our RSE Accessibility page on our website.

SPEAKER

Dr Areti Manataki

Lecturer in Computer Science, University of St Andrews

Areti is a Lecturer in Computer Science at the University of St Andrews. In her research, she employs artificial intelligence and data science methods to improve the delivery of healthcare services. She also has extensive experience in leading innovative computing courses, and she has taught thousands of learners worldwide how to capitalise on the power of data to enhance human health.

Prior to joining the University of St Andrews, she worked as a Senior Researcher at the University of Edinburgh, where she also obtained her PhD. Areti is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a member of the Young Academy of Scotland.

SPEAKER

Dr Uta Hinrichs

Reader in Data Visualisation, University of Edinburgh

Uta is a Reader in Data Visualisation at the University of Edinburgh, where she co-directs the VisHub. Her research and teaching sit at the intersection of visualisation and Human-Computer Interaction. Her work is driven by the question of how to combine visualisation and interface design to facilitate insightful, pleasurable, and critical interactions with data in digital and physical spaces.

Her approach is inherently interdisciplinary and collaborative, drawing from computer science, design, the humanities, and pedagogy. Uta received her PhD in Computer Science with specialisation in Computational Media Design from the University of Calgary, Canada.

SPEAKER

Dr Tristan Henderson

Senior Lecturer, School of Computer Science at the University of St Andrews

Tristan is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science at the University of St Andrews. He is an interdisciplinary computer scientist with training in computer science (MSc and PhD, UCL), economics (MA, Cambridge), and law (LLM, Edinburgh).

His research interests include data protection, privacy, and digital rights. His teaching includes a highly popular module on data ethics. Prior to joining St Andrews in 2006, Tristan worked at Dartmouth College (Department of Computer Science and the Institute for Security & Technology Studies) in the USA.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 6 − Saturday 14 September 2025!

Curious is a festival of ideas – open to all and driven by connection, conversation, and discovery. It’s a chance to explore ideas and questions that matter with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers – and with people who bring their own lived experiences, insights, and curiosity to the table.

From science and society to arts and innovation, the programme spans a wide range of topics – with each event designed to spark dialogue, invite different perspectives, and encourage knowledge exchange.

Curious is an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, plus those who see the world differently, and be part of discussions where everyone is welcome to share, learn, and be inspired. Full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website: Accessibility - Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) : Royal Society of Edinburgh

The RSE is trialling the WelcoMe app for our public events. This app enables visitors with accessibility needs to discreetly inform our staff of any assistance required before their visit. Simply fill out a quick form with your needs and estimated arrival time, and our team will be ready to accommodate you.

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.

Privacy Policy

Please note that any personal data that is submitted to the RSE will be stored and processed in accordance with the RSE’s Privacy Policy. We will only use mobile numbers provided to contact you in the event of a cancellation.

Newsletter

If you would like to receive information from the RSE on forthcoming events and activities, including our Newsletter, please contact public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk

Please visit the RSE FAQs page for further details about venue and events.