The Grace Hopper Celebration is one of the largest gatherings of women and non-binary technologists in the world, and it was inspiring to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community. We also attended the Chicago Quantum Summit, which showcased cutting-edge research and applications in quantum computing, a field that is rapidly shaping the future of technology.

Above: The Grace Hopper Celebration Opening Plenary

The scale of Grace Hopper is hard to describe. Thousands of attendees filled the conference halls, creating an atmosphere buzzing with energy, ideas, and collaboration. We met students and visitors from across the United States and from countries around the globe, including but not limited to Brazil, Australia, Canada, and Austria!

Above: The Destination UK Talent Booth

These conversations gave us valuable insights into what students are looking for in their academic and professional journeys, and it was clear that interest in jobs, advanced study and research opportunities is stronger than ever.

To share a little something of home, we brought along 300 caramel Freddos, which quickly became a talking point in the conference. We are definitely biased, but it was the best chocolate in North America. Alongside the chocolate, we handed out stickers featuring artwork by local artists Jacky Sheridan and David J. McMillan, whose larger form artworks are proudly on display in our Ashby Building in Belfast. These small touches helped us stand out and created a fun way to connect with people from all over the world.

Above: TJ Cosgrove and Dr Jonathan Browning at the QUB EEECS Stand

Above: Stickers and Freddos up for grabs!

Beyond the giveaways, the real highlight was the connections we made. Grace Hopper is not just about technology; it is about building relationships, sharing knowledge, and inspiring the next generation of innovators. We spoke with students who are considering postgraduate study, researchers working on exciting projects, and industry professionals who are shaping the future of tech. These interactions will help us strengthen our global network and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Attending Grace Hopper reminded us why events like this matter. They provide a platform for diversity, inclusion, and innovation, and they open doors for partnerships that can have a lasting impact. We are excited to build on the momentum from Chicago and continue fostering connections that benefit our students, staff, and research community.

We look forward to more international outreach in the future. A special thank you to the UK Department for Business and Trade for organising the trip and being fantastic, and to Grace Hopper, the Chicago British Consulate General and the lovely people of Chicago for making us feel so welcome in your fine city.

Above: Giving out the last few Caramel Freddos in North America...