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National Innovation Centre to host first data science conference in Newcastle

September 22nd 2023

The National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD) is set to host its first-ever conference in Newcastle later this month, exploring innovations in data science.

The two-day Data Innovation Showcase will run from 27 – 28 September at The Catalyst, a state-of-the-art work and event space in the heart of Newcastle, giving attendees the opportunity to hear from expert speakers, take part in practical workshops and connect with their peers.

Providing a packed programme of sessions – including keynotes from Bill Thompson, Head of Public Value Research in BBC R&D and Dr Birju Bartoli, Chief Operating Officer of Northumbria Healthcare Trust – attendees can also select preferred sessions from the two conference tracks, ‘The Data Mastery’ and ‘The Art of Innovation’.

With few tickets remaining, the event is said to be for anyone who would like to learn how data can unlock the potential for their business and those who want to gain access to the latest tools and techniques.

Richie Ramsden, Technical Director of NICD, said: “Everyone is talking about data, and how it can revolutionise businesses. But when can someone who is busy running a business get the time to understand the what, why and importantly how of the data science revolutions?

“In this inaugural two-day event from the National Innovation Centre for Data, we are focussing on giving a cross-section of UK organisations a first step on the ladder.”

Funded by government and Newcastle University, NICD was created in 2019 with a team of PhD and Masters-level data scientists who work to ensure that organisations across the country are equipped to reap the benefits of the global data-driven revolution.

Richie added: “Whether you are technical and need a masterclass/primer on certain areas, or a business leader who wants to understand you to define your own vision and find the right partners, you can learn from 90-minutes Masterclasses as diverse as auto-generation of reports to Edge computing, or discover the simple concepts beyond the hype.

“There is something for everyone in any role to help make more use of data.”

The conference is sponsored by Newcastle University, North of Tyne Combined Authority, Leonardo, Red Hat, Jumping Rivers, BBC, SPG, Generic AI, the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

The Catalyst, which is home to the National Innovation Centre for Data and the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing, as well as a raft of ambitious companies driving innovation in data and healthy ageing, is located on Newcastle Helix – a hybrid city quarter combining prestigious commercial and residential space with first-class research facilities.

Amelia Findlay, centre manager at The Catalyst, said: “This is the ultimate event for businesses looking to explore the possibilities of data, and we’re excited to welcome attendees to our state-of-the-art venue to learn, collaborate and gain hands-on experience.”

To find out more about the Data Innovation Showcase and buy tickets, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/data-innovation-showcase-tickets-621777201347

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