Thursday, 30 October 2025
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Monday, 27 October 2025
Government’s science minister backs Aston University-led neuromorphic computing research
The UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing is headed by the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT).
“Neuromorphic computing, inspired by the brain's really remarkable energy efficiency, could fundamentally transform how AI operate” said Lord Patrick Vallance.
A new research centre led by Aston University could be key to tackling the huge consumption of energy by data centres in the UK.
The UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing is headed by the Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT) and was officially launched at the House of Lords on 21 October.
Neuromorphic computing seeks to replicate how
the brain functions and its structure and apply that knowledge to develop future computing systems. Currently scientists lack a deep, system-level understanding of how the human organ computes at cellular and network scales.
The researchers within the consortium of seven universities, alongside 22 non-academic partners, will aim to tackle that challenge directly, blending stem-cell-derived human neuron experiments with advanced computational models, development of new materials, low-power algorithms and novel photonic - or light-based - hardware.
As well as speakers from politics and science, a message from the Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, Lord Patrick Vallance was delivered to the guests at the Houses of Parliament reception. Speaking via video he said that he believed the initiative could be key to tackling the issue of massive energy use by data centres. Current government figures show that they use about 2.5% of the UK's electricity, a figure projected to rise significantly with the further advances in AI.
Lord Vallance said: “Data centres demand enormous energy and water resources and left unchecked. Without thinking about how we can manage this and innovate we would threaten clean energy and net zero ambitions.
He added: “Future computing paradigms offer a potential path to not only more ways of thinking about how to compute but also overcoming some of the traditional limitations of traditional computing, particularly in scenarios where energy efficiency or new capabilities are important. It seems to me the centre embodies that ambition; neuromorphic computing, inspired by the brain's really remarkable energy efficiency, could fundamentally transform how AI operates.”
The centre received £5.6 million funding over four years from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. However, its director, Professor Sergei Turitsyn of AIPT told launch guests that it is his ambition for the centre to be financially sustainable beyond its initial EPSRC funding period. He also stated that he believes that the centre will be instrumental in putting the UK at the forefront of the neuromorphic computing research.
He said: “The ultimate goal is to build a new UK brand in neuromorphic computing, working closely with the recently funded UK network project NeuMat and the Innovation and Knowledge Centre Neuroware.
“Some people ask ‘what exactly is neuromorphic computing? Arguably, there no universal answer, and this is exactly the point about our centre. Some people tell you it is nature-or brain-inspired, others stress non digital features and some focus on energy saving or analogue signal processing.
"That's why we need researchers from different disciplines to work together and that is why this group of universities and industrial partners will start this broad approach, with neuroscientists, working with experts in material science, algorithms, electronics and photonics.”
The centre will be led by the AIPT and will include world-leading researchers from Aston University, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of Southampton, Queen Mary University of London, Loughborough University and the University of Strathclyde. The centre will be supported by a broad network of industry partners to enhance the centre’s impact on society. These include Microsoft Research, Thales, BT, QinetiQ, Nokia Bell Labs, Hewlett Packard Labs, Leonardo, Northrop Grumman and a number of small to medium enterprises.
Water use in data centres: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688cb407dc6688ed50878367/Water_use_in_data_centre_and_AI_report.pdf
Sunday, 26 October 2025
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Wednesday, 15 October 2025
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Sunday, 12 October 2025
Celebrating Ada Lovelace Day – Honouring the World’s First Computer Programmer
Named in honour of Ada Lovelace, the visionary mathematician widely regarded as the world’s first computer programmer, this day is an inspiring reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go when equality and curiosity meet innovation.
Who Was Ada Lovelace?
Born Augusta Ada Byron in 1815, Ada Lovelace was the daughter of the poet Lord Byron and mathematician Annabella Milbanke.
While her father’s fame stemmed from poetry, it was her mother’s passion for mathematics that truly shaped Ada’s destiny.
As a young woman, Ada developed a fascination with machines and mathematics, which led to her collaboration with Charles Babbage on his design for the Analytical Engine, an early mechanical general-purpose computer. In her notes on Babbage’s machine, Ada described how it could be programmed to perform complex calculations, and even generate music and art if given the right data.
These insights, written in the 1840s, predated the first working computers by over a century. Her vision was so far ahead of its time that she’s now celebrated as a pioneer of computing and the first to truly grasp the potential of software.
What Is Ada Lovelace Day?
Founded in 2009 by Suw Charman-Anderson, Ada Lovelace Day is celebrated on the second Tuesday of October each year. It’s a global event that highlights the achievements of women in STEM and aims to encourage more young women and girls to pursue careers in these fields.
The day is marked with talks, workshops, educational programmes, and online celebrations that showcase the vital role women play in advancing science and technology. From physicists and programmers to engineers and innovators, Ada Lovelace Day is about giving recognition and visibility to women who are shaping our future.
Why Ada Lovelace Day Matters
Despite progress in gender equality, women remain underrepresented in STEM industries. Ada Lovelace Day helps to challenge stereotypes, promote role models, and inspire the next generation to dream big. It reminds us that innovation thrives on diversity—and that women have always been part of the story, even when history forgot to write them in.
How You Can Celebrate
Learn About Ada Lovelace – Read about her life, her groundbreaking ideas, and how they continue to influence computing today.
Support Women in STEM – Share stories of female scientists, engineers, and technologists who inspire you.
Attend Events – Look out for Ada Lovelace Day Live events, online talks, and workshops celebrating women in STEM.
Encourage the Next Generation – Support girls’ STEM education initiatives, or simply inspire curiosity through conversation and example.
A Legacy of Imagination and Intelligence
Ada once described her approach to mathematics as “poetical science”, a beautiful blend of logic and creativity. It’s a phrase that perfectly captures why her story still resonates today. She saw machines not as cold mechanisms, but as tools for imagination and human potential.
On Ada Lovelace Day, we celebrate her genius and the countless women who’ve followed in her footsteps, proving that innovation knows no gender, only passion, vision, and perseverance.
Monday, 29 September 2025
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Friday, 19 September 2025
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Lord Stevens backs VigilAuntie app to safeguard women and girls
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“The need to protect women and girls from assault is paramount, yet they are still vulnerable”, Stevens told That's Technology.
“VigilAuntie is an innovative new app which tackles that problem early on, by recording and securing video evidence at a single touch so it can be used as a deterrent before an incident escalates into a crisis”.
Geography student Em Beattie is leading a team of volunteers to launch the app at Newcastle University. “VigilAuntie is a simple, effective way for us to look out for each other as students.
 |
| Em Beattie & Lord Stevens |
"The video can’t be deleted, even if your phone is taken from you. And it’s completely free, funded by donations to the charity.”
Newcastle has a history of being the first to adopt video technology. In the late 1980’s, when Lord Stevens was Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, it was the first to install CCTV on a widespread basis. “The effect was dramatic”, says Stevens, “we had a 100% conviction rate on 2,750 disorder prosecutions, which was previously unimaginable. VigilAuntie brings similar benefits to safeguard people, a kind of personal CCTV”.
With a successful launch at Newcastle University, Right to Resist plans on taking VigilAuntie to other campuses in the UK, followed by a general nationwide promotion. The app is in the UK App Store and Google Play now for those who want to be among the first to have it.
If any men are reading this who have mothers, sisters and other female relatives or friends please forward this blogpost on to them. Thank you.
Tuesday, 2 September 2025
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Tuesday, 15 July 2025
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Thursday, 12 June 2025
South of England’s Biggest Industry-Wide Tech Summit Lands in Brighton This July
This one-day event is set to become a milestone in the UK’s technology landscape, bringing together the brightest minds and most innovative ideas from across the country in the heart of the UK’s very own Silicon Valley – Silicon Brighton.
From 9am, attendees will explore a packed agenda of 30 sessions across three stages, live workshops, and a headline-making ‘Dragon’s Den’-style pitch competition in partnership with Imperial Business School (London) – offering founders a direct path into their prestigious Entrepreneur Scheme.
EVOLVE [25] is much more than a mere summit – it's a future-shaping platform designed to match innovation with opportunity uniting; Tech professionals and innovators; Startup founders and venture capitalists; Tech-savvy Millennials and Gen Z leaders; and STEM students and educators. Whether you are scaling a startup, launching a product, investing in innovation, or entering the tech industry, EVOLVE [25] is the place to connect, learn, and grow.
Grace Prior, Co-Founder, Silicon Brighton told That's Technology: "When you bring everyone in the industry together—from students to senior professionals, entrepreneurs to educators—you unlock a powerhouse of talent and creativity that drives the future forward.
"Working in collaboration is a unique feature of this buoyant Brighton technology scene and our mission is cementing the city of Brighton and Hove as the outstanding hub of technological innovation in the country."
Attendees will hear from globally recognised leaders in technology, AI, entrepreneurship, blockchain, education and beyond, with speakers and panels that shape the future, including:
• Seed Legals – Anthony Rose, Founder
• UK Space Agency – Katherine Courtney, Former CEO
• Microsoft – Jack Tracey
• Brandwatch, Accenture, AWS, Attercop, Sony, Tillo, Sussex AI, Hyve, and many others
Panels will explore how technology is transforming every industry—from finance and healthcare to media, retail and education—and what that means for UK businesses today and tomorrow.
EVOLVE [25] is powered by Silicon Brighton, a non-profit collective established in 2019 and led by Grace Prior and Steve Rackley, who are on a mission to grow the region into a tech hub and AI Centre of Excellence. The Silicon Brighton community is a thriving tech eco-system and represents:
• 40+ tech and digital user groups
• 100+ businesses
• 20,000+ professionals and students
• A thriving ecosystem of startups, educators, innovators and leaders
About EVOLVE [25]
A Must-Attend for the Entire Tech Ecosystem
Brighton Dome
Friday 4th July 2025
From 9am
30+ sessions|3 Stages|Live Workshops|‘Dragon’s Den’ Pitch Challenge
Tickets: Secure your place
Use code: MEDIA50 for 50% off
Full programme: evolve.siliconbrighton.com
Sponsors include:
Innovate UK, AWS, Attercop, Cripps, Dabapps, Dragonfly AI, Evolve/Pipedrive, Galloways Accounting, Goodlooking Design, Hyve, Imperial Business School, Inshur, James Chase, Solana Superteam UK, TrustedHousesitters
Full list of sponsors
Exhibitors include:
Barclays Eagle Labs, British Interactive Media Association, Dehns, Logicata, Plus X Innovation, Tillo, University of Sussex Apprenticeships, and many more
See all exhibitors
Partners include:
Always Possible, Brighton AI, South East Angels, Sussex Innovation, University of Sussex AI Centre of Excellence
Monday, 9 June 2025
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Monday, 12 May 2025
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