International Women’s Day is great to promote girls in computing science – but I’m worried the subject is not going to survive
08 March 2024
Good afternoon and welcome to the weekly Futurescot Newsletter, keeping you up-to-date with news and analysis across the public technology and innovation sector.?
In our lead story today, we celebrate International Women's Day with a call to action for Computing Science in Scottish schools. Educator and campaigner Toni Scullion warns of a looming cliff-edge for the declining number of computing science teachers, which will affect all pupils, and which threatens to undermine efforts to close the gender gap in tech.
Read the piece in full below as well the rest of our tech stories from the week. And don't forget to get in touch with your stories at [email protected]?or send a tweet or DM to?@futurescot_news, and please do share with your colleagues.
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY
International Women’s Day is great to promote girls in computing science – but I’m worried the subject is not going to survive
One of Scotland’s foremost educators and campaigners for computing science in schools has heralded the achievements of girls in the subject – but has sounded a warning about its future in classrooms. Toni Scullion, founder of dressCode, a charity committed to closing the gender gap in computing science in Scotland, is concerned that falling numbers of computing science teachers coming into the profession risks undermining efforts to promote the subject to girls. MORE?
Upcoming Conferences
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IWD24
New research shows strong appetite for growth from female founders – but access to finance holding them back
New research has shown a strong appetite from female founders but access to finance is holding them back from scaling their businesses. The survey commissioned by Edinburgh-based AccelerateHER – the female founders’ network – has shown 92 per cent of female founders believed their businesses were scalable. MORE?
‘Let’s inspire inclusive, innovative healthcare on International Women’s Day’
A gender health gap undoubtedly remains across the world – but International Women’s Day is a key opportunity to empower NHS Scotland innovators to help close that gap. This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, and formal NHS partner InnoScot Health is looking to do just that by assisting innovators to progress fresh ideas that actively support women’s health needs.?MORE?
Glasgow researchers aim to eliminate gender bias in healthcare AI systems
Researchers in Glasgow are seeking to eliminate gender bias in AI-powered healthcare monitoring systems. University of Glasgow experts are setting out to ensure male and female patients receive the same high standards of care delivered by sensor-based devices.?MORE?
WEB 3.0
Ayr tech firm building ‘new internet’ prepares to launch network after 18 years of development
An Ayr tech firm building a ‘new internet’ is preparing to launch its network after 18 years of development. Maidsafe is about to release its Safe Network in beta after being started in 2006 by software engineer David Irvine.?MORE?
CYBER
Become an expert in your field or risk being replaced by machines, warns cyber professor
One of Scotland’s most renowned cybersecurity experts has warned that people should become experts in their fields – or risk being replaced by machines. Professor Bill Buchanan said that AI is the most disruptive technology ever faced by humanity – and people should equip themselves with ‘deep and true knowledge’ to mitigate its impact. MORE?
Cyber centre warns legal firms in Scotland being increasingly targeted by hackers
Legal firms are being increasingly targeted by hackers according to the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland. Members of the legal profession are being urged to stay vigilant and do all they can to protect themselves online following a recent uptick in cyberattacks.?MORE?
领英推荐
IOT
Twenty companies join growing IoT cluster in Glasgow
Twenty companies have joined a growing internet of things (IoT) cluster in Glasgow – providing business mentorship and support. The firms have embedded at the Smart Things Accelerator Centre (STAC) accelerator scheme where they will be given access to advisory services and potential investor funding sources. MORE?
GREENTECH
Scottish AI platform will help land managers ‘blend ecology and economic development’
A new Scottish AI platform will help land managers blend ecology with sustainable economic development practices. Rethink Carbon’s software can generate comprehensive natural capital reports, uncover grant funding opportunities, and bring to life land use scenarios like woodland creation and peatland restoration. MORE?
TALENT
New platform aims to make it easier for manufacturing companies to recruit
A new online platform has been created to make it easier for manufacturing companies to recruit new apprentices and graduates. The digital tool aims to address the skills gap for manufacturing and engineering roles in Scotland, and encourage more young people to consider careers in the industry. MORE?
ECONOMY
Boost for local high streets with gift card partnership
A new partnership aimed at supporting high streets across Scotland has been formed – allowing shoppers to use gift cards in their local stores. Perth-based gift card operator Miconex is partnering with Edinburgh group collecting platform GiftRound in a move that is set to drive an estimated ￡1 million annually into towns and cities. MORE?
International Women's Day: Thought for the day
Jude McCorry, CEO, Cyber & Fraud Centre Scotland
For this year’s International Women’s Day I am glad to see that the topic of “ending gender-based violence” has been continued from 2023 into 2024. I am not glad that it has to be continued, however, and it would be good if the topic can stop being brought forward in the next few years. MORE?
BRIEFINGS
Expertise is guiding Scotland's innovative start-ups to the land of opportunity
With tailored support and access to a network of experts, Geovation Scotland is stimulating the country's innovative spirit by nurturing tech startups in land, property and location.?MORE?
Tactuum tech supports NHS Scotland’s Right Decision Service
NHS Scotland’s Right Decision Service is using the Tactuum Quris platform to make clinical guidance and policy tools available to all clinicians when and where they need them.' MORE?
Police Scotland’s first cybercrime symposium highlights importance of international cooperation
Held as part of Cyber Scotland Week, the event attracted representatives from the FBI, National Crime Agency, and policing colleagues from Romania, New Zealand and Australia. MORE?
PUBLIC SECTOR IT CONTRACTS?
National Trust for Scotland seeks 'digital partner'
The Trust is looking for a service provider to take on the development of its website over the next 3 - 5 years. Our website enables and encourages people from all over the world to interact with the Trust online, making full use of our digital presence to inspire people to plan visits, join, donate and learn more. MORE??
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