This event was designed to showcase the many cyber security and tech careers that are available in Belfast.  The event aims to increase diversity in tech, where currently women represent only 23% of the tech industry in Northern Ireland.

Over 600 Year 8 girls (ages 11-12) participated on the day from 22 different schools across Northern Ireland, alongside 50 companies and many volunteers. We brought along some of our wonderful VR and AR demos, including the exciting cyber security training demo developed by the QUB ACE CSE team, to allow the pupils to try out VR and best practice cyber security awareness training.  Our fantastic volunteers were kept busy with keen pupils trying out the headsets, playing AR games with Dr Matthew Collins, and kindly supported by QUB student recruitment and CSIT staff, who provided merchandise for pupils. 

Adrianne Thompson, an EEECS PhD student, hosted an inspiring demo session to the pupils on device privacy, supported by Helen Lappin in CSIT, encouraging the girls to be aware of what information devices consume. 

The event was great fun and a busy day, working to inspire the next generation of women in tech and cyber security. A big thank you to all involved on the day!

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For further information on Athena SWAN at EEECS, please contact our SWAN champions Dr Ciara Rafferty and Dr Ayesha Khalid.