Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, The Data Lab, is set to host leading figures in the AI and data industry at its annual flagship conference, Data Summit 2021, this November.
With data proving to be a vital component in helping governments, healthcare organisations and businesses understand and fight the pandemic, Data Summit 2021 will focus on #OurData and outline the ways that it can be used to grow the economy, address social issues and increase Scotland’s knowledge base.
Taking place at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh on 23 November, the international conference will bring together data leaders and practitioners across industry, the public sector and academia to share compelling stories on data innovation and how it can be used to create economic opportunities and social change.
Delegates will hear from a distinguished line up of keynote speakers, including mathematician Hannah Fry; science broadcaster Professor Kevin Fong OBE; as well as researcher and writer Mike Berners-Lee, amongst others to be confirmed.
The annual conference, which will take place in person and streamed online, will showcase Scotland’s innovative spirit and highlight the organisations leading the way in data and AI, as well as encourage others to follow suit to drive innovation and economic growth in their own organisation. The one-day programme will also include debates into the ethical use of data, and highlight how the data community can work together to empower people to better understand the ethical issues associated with data ownership.
Gillian Docherty OBE, CEO, The Data Lab, said: “The pandemic has bought into razor sharp focus the importance of technology to keep Scotland’s economy moving. As we look ahead towards our economic and social recovery and helping to build a better Scotland, we know that data and AI will undoubtedly play an increasingly crucial role in reshaping our economy, as well as helping solve some of the world’s most pressing issues, including climate change. This year’s Data Summit will pose key questions for everyone to consider – whether from industry, the public sector or academia – as well as acting as a way for the community to come together and encourage innovation to the benefit of the wider economy.”
Data Summit has a limited number of in-person tickets available to delegates, which can be purchased online here. The keynote sessions will be free to watch virtually, and online registration can be accessed via this link.
Data Summit will follow The Data Lab’s #OurPlanet DataFest, which will explore environmental and climate change themes and highlight how data and AI can help to shape the future of the planet for the greater good. Delegates of the free-to-attend virtual event will hear from a collection of speakers including Ann Daniels, the polar explorer, and Ruchir Shah of Scottish Wildlife Trust. Those interested in joining the conference virtually on Tuesday, 5 October, can register for tickets here.