About this day
For A-level, IB, BTEC Level 3 and T Level Computer Science students
Join us this autumn for an action-packed day exploring the world of computer science! Through high-energy, interactive sessions, students will dive into cutting-edge research, tackle real-world tech challenges, and discover just how exciting computer science can be.
Our incredible speakers, from leading academics to industry innovators, will showcase the power of technology, revealing its impact on everything from AI to cybersecurity. We want students to see that computer science is shaping the future, and they can be part of it!
A special Exam Success session will provide students with expert strategies to boost confidence and exam performance. With live polls, quizzes, and plenty of opportunities to engage with speakers, this is computer science like never before.
Host and Exam Session: Prof. Matthew Leeke (University of Birmingham)
“It was a very smoothly organised event and my students found all the sessions insightful. As a teacher I had myself wishing to be a student again! It was an inspiring day.”
– Ruislip High School –
Programme & speakers
Brain-Computer Interfaces, in our Everyday Lives! Max Wilson, Brain Data Group, University of Nottingham
You can now buy brain scanners online for less than the price of a phone, and we expect soon they will be built into your glasses and VR headsets. This is transforming scientific research because now we will start to get brain data from millions of people over repeated sessions, rather than only in the lab as one-off occasions. These new Brain-Computer Interfaces are also creating many new opportunities for us to build brain-controlled VR and other experiences.
About Dr Max Wilson
Max is the head of the Brain Data Group in the School of Computer Science, at the University of Nottingham, studying consumer neurotechnology, studying people with scientific neurotechnology, and building brain-controlled VR.
Beyond the Hacker: Discovering Careers in Cyber Security Anitha Chinnaswamy, Associate Professor in Cyber Security Management and Director of GRIIT, Aston University
Explore the world of cyber security beyond the stereotypes, discovering the diverse careers, skills and pathways available, the importance of diversity in cyber, and opportunities to shape a safer digital future.
About Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy
Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy is Associate Professor in Cyber Security Management at Aston University and Director of the GRIIT (Gender Equity Research & Inclusive Innovation in Technology) Network. She leads cyber security initiatives with partners across government, industry and law enforcement, helping address real-world digital challenges. Her contributions to research, education, innovation and inclusive capability development have received multiple national and regional awards, including the Outstanding Cyber Security Professional Award in 2026.
Hands-On Computer Science: Learning Beyond Theory Dan Aldred, Development Manager, Cambridge International Education
What do building apps, writing for Linux User, working with Raspberry Pi and Samsung, and even a project with a Chinese education department have in common? Each was a crash course in Computer Science; learning by doing, solving problems, and figuring things out along the way. This talk shares how embracing different challenges can reveal how computers really work.
About Dan Aldred
Dan is a passionate Computer Scientist, resource writer and hacker, with over 20 years’ experience in education. A Raspberry Pi Certified Educator, Dan led the very first Astro Pi competition winners, whose code now orbits Earth aboard the ISS. He also inspires global audiences through his TeCoEd website, packed with Raspberry Pi hacks and projects, and his popular YouTube channel.
Hiding in plain sight; inside the world of digital steganography Tishtrya Mehta, Scientist, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency
Invisible ink, secret codes and carrier pigeons have smuggled top-secret information for thousands of years. But how do we hide messages in the digital age? Explore the world of steganography and cryptography, from hidden pixels to secret sounds, and find out whether you can read between the lines…
About Dr Tishtrya Mehta
Tish is a scientist working on improving access to critical medicines in low-income countries. As a former data scientist and astrophysicist, where she worked on decoding the music of the Sun, she’s passionate about opening up science to wider audiences through storytelling.
Reimagining Smart Cities Matthew Leeke, School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham
By 2050 we will have 7 billion people living in urban areas. What happens when the global population puts cities at breaking point? Starting from the humble beginning of an undergraduate lecture theatre, we will explore how to leverage machine learning and smart devices to solve some of the biggest problems facing our cities.
About Professor Matthew Leeke
Matthew is a Professor and Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor at The University of Birmingham. He joined Birmingham as Chair of Dependable Systems in 2022, having spent 18 years at The University of Warwick.