Events Calendar

Register now at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/my-skills-my-life-online-session-tickets-150861481753

WISE KSE: Attracting Female Students
13:00 – 14:30 | 10 June

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Just 26% of those getting STEM qualifications in 2019 were female. Women and girls need to be inspired about studying STEM at university and where it could take them but how?

Hear from academic institutions who are ahead of the game and learn about the best ways to attract female candidates onto STEM degrees. Register for your place today to network with WISE academic members, share stories in breakout room sessions and discuss best practice in this interactive online session hosted by WISE.

Speakers:
Dr Anne Nortcliffe
Founding Head of the School of Engineering, Technology and Design, Canterbury Christ Church University.

Dr Anne Nortcliffe is proactively responsible for creating a new School with inclusion and diversity as its’ beating heart. Anne has worked collaboratively across the region and University to ensure inclusion and diversity is addressed in every aspect of the school activities from, student recruitment activities; staff human resource activities; Higher Education Facilities; Student Learning activities; Industrial Engagement activities.

Anne has a degree in Chemistry, MSc in Control Engineering, PhD in Process Control Engineering, industrial experience in artificial intelligence and software engineering for the Chemical Engineering Industry. Anne has been an academic in several institutions teaching, leading in areas of automation, manufacturing, computer networks, aerospace/aeronautical, software engineering, software entrepreneurship, mechanical and materials engineering. Anne is an active engineering education researcher with an international reputation in engineering employability development; learning technology; computing and engineering education pedagogical approaches; inclusive and diverse computing and engineering education.

Professor Sue Black OBE
Professor of Computer Science and Technology Evangelist in the Department of Computer Science, Durham University

An award winning Computer Scientist, Technology Evangelist and Digital Skills Expert, Professor Sue Black was awarded an OBE for “services to technology” in the 2016 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. She is Professor of Computer Science and Technology Evangelist in the Department of Computer Science at Durham University, a UK government advisor, thought leader, Trustee at Comic Relief, social entrepreneur, writer and public speaker. Sue set up the UK’s first online network for women in tech BCSWomen in 1998 and led the campaign to save Bletchley Park. Sue’s first book Saving Bletchley Park details the social media campaign she led to save Bletchley Park from 2008-2011, it has been an Amazon UK bestseller.

Sue didn’t have a traditional start to her career. She left home and school at 16, married at 20 and had 3 children by the age of 23. A single parent at 25 she went to university, gained a degree in computing then a PhD in software engineering. Sue now has 4 children and 3 grandchildren.

Fran Long
Education and Training Lead, Faraday Institution 

Fran Long is a STEM engagement specialist and award winning primary science teacher who is passionate about promoting science and engineering.

In 2017, Fran was honoured to receive a Primary Science Teacher Award (PSTA), endorsed by the Institute of Physics, and is now a Fellow of the Primary Science Teaching Trust (PSTT). Fran was the creator and organiser of a pioneering monthly STEM assembly series that brought STEM professionals (scientists and engineers) into school to share about a day of their working life over a 16-month period. Research to evaluate the impact of the programme on STEM career aspirations showed a statistically significant increase in the number of pupils who would consider scientific and engineering career paths.

As part of a Post Graduate Certificate for Professional Recognition in Engineering STEM Learning, Fran interviewed 35 engineers in the work place, gaining insight into ‘Engineering Habits of Mind’ (EHOM) as described by Bill Lucas in ‘Thinking Like An Engineer’. She ascertained the inspiration behind STEM career choices and presented findings to industry experts and colleagues.

As a skilled teacher and keen project lead Fran has extensive experience of creating bespoke educational material to inspire learners. This includes writing CREST Award material accredited by the British Science Association. Fran is also a competent trainer who writes and facilitates high quality continuing professional development programmes based on best practice and latest research. She is a recipient of the STEM Learning CPD Quality Mark.

This online event is open to all WISE academic members and WISE members at core level and above.

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WISE NI Hub Event: Meeting the STEM Workforce Challenge
A WISE Northern Ireland Hub Event
Wednesday 16 June | 9.30 – 11.00

As Northern Ireland moves forward, post Covid and post Brexit, the challenges of ensuring a strong economic future and a place on the global stage across the STEM sector are dependent on NI employers having access to a skilled and readily available workforce.

Only 7.8% of NI’s girls currently pursue STEM to the point of employment in a STEM role. Engaging the untapped STEM potential of NI’s talented girls, half of the total workforce, is critical.

This interactive, online session showcases a range of innovative resources to support employers to attract STEM talent from across the full talent pool.

The programme;

• Women in STEM NI – The challenge and the prize.
  Emer Murnaghan, Graham Construction
• Meet the Role Models
  An introduction to the WISE MY Skills, My Life platform. See how your organisation can raise the visibility of your role models and STEM career opportunities to girls and women across NI.
• Employers Toolkit – Checklist, what are your priorities?
  Checkout the Hub resources and see how your organisation can use these to meet the challenge. Network in structured break out groups and identify challenges and potential solutions.
• The WISE Campaign – Ten Steps
  An overview of WISE’s innovative, employer led initiative that supports STEM organisations to recruit and retain a talented and diverse workforce.
  
  Who should attend?
  This is an open event aimed at people working in the STEM sector in NI. It will be particularly useful to those colleagues who are tasked with improving gender balance in STEM, tackling recruitment shortages, addressing diversity and inclusion, and facilitating outreach opportunities.

Click here to register