About this day
For A-level, IB, BTEC Level 3 and T Level computer science students
Join us for an exciting day of informative discussions, interactive sessions and inspirational stories at Computer Science in Action this autumn. From advancements in AI to coding challenges, our experienced speakers across industry and academia, will shine a light on cutting-edge research and current issues from the world of tech.
The day will also include a special session on examination success designed to provide students with the tools that they need to excel. With polls and quizzes throughout the day and plenty of opportunities to ask the speakers questions, this is an unmissable day, and we look forward to welcoming you and your students. Book now for Computer Science in Action!
Host: Professor Matthew Leeke (University of Birmingham)
“The Students have left motivated and will not stop talking about the future!”
– Tonbridge Grammar School –
Programme & speakers
Reddit in, Reddit Out: The Promise - and Perils - of Large Language Models Emma Byrne, Science Writer and Communicator
Large language models (LLMs) are seemingly inescapable. In this talk, Dr Emma Byrne will look at the raw input behind large language models, from murky datasets to dirty power stations.
About Dr Emma Byrne
Emma Byrne began her research career in computational neuroscience in the early 2000s. She is also an award-winning author and broadcaster on the topics of AI and neuroscience, and is the recipient of the 2025 Rosalind Franklin Lecture medal.
The illusion of good software design Paul Curzon, Queen Mary, University of London
Using examples of good / bad healthcare device design (and illusions) we explore how programmers can prevent human error with good interaction design. When disasters occur, a person is often blamed, but when people make mistakes, don’t blame the person, fix the program so they can’t, and save lives.
About Professor Paul Curzon
Paul co-created the EPSRC funded magazine cs4fn. In 2010 he was made a National Teaching Fellow by the Higher Education Academy. The most prestigious award for university teaching.
What Is A Computer? Matthew Leeke, School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham
Whether we know it or not, each of us relies on computers every day, but do we really understand what constitutes a computer? Looking back through time, we will explore how computers have evolved and think about how the concepts you see in GCSE and A-level Computer Science remain the ideas that allow us to build next generation supercomputers.
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.
Dare to Disrupt: My unexpected route into tech Amber Shand, Content Creator and Software Engineer
With an Economics and Accounting degree, Amber defied expectations by learning to code and now is an award-winning Software Engineer. Amber will share her inspiring journey, proving that a successful tech career doesn’t have to follow a traditional path.
About Amber Shand
Amber Shand is award-winning software engineer, keynote speaker, and rising voice representing women in tech. She is the Founder and Community Lead for She Bytes Back which hosts regular online and in-person events for women in technology to build connections, break down barriers and create opportunities.
AI in our everyday lives Kate Devlin, Kings College London
AI was already a regular part of our lives even before generative AI became popular. It has an impact on our everyday existence in the way that it is designed, developed and deployed, even if we never actually use it ourselves. This talk looks at the many ways AI affects us – and relies on us – and how we should think about it responsibly.
About Professor Kate Devlin
Kate Devlin is Professor of AI & Society at King’s College London and is the Creative & Outreach Lead for the Responsible AI UK project (rai.ac.uk). She is an interdisciplinary computer scientist researching how people interact with technology.