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The Data Lab
@thedatalab.bsky.social
Scotland's Innovation Centre for Data and AI. We help companies, organisations and individuals capitalise on the opportunities that exist within data and AI. https://thedatalab.com/
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👋 Hello, Bluesky!

We’re The Data Lab - Scotland’s Innovation Centre for Data and AI.

We believe in a thriving, connected society powered by data and AI. We support responsible innovation across sectors to turn bold ideas into impact.

Follow for updates, insights, and ways to collaborate!
📰 The Guardian warns AI could deepen social divides unless all children learn core computing & AI skills. Fewer kids are studying computing, even as AI use soars — early AI literacy is key to understanding & challenging the systems shaping our lives.

🔗 https://ow.ly/7PjC50XT43N
Generation AI: fears of ‘social divide’ unless all children learn computing skills
Children are growing up as AI natives and experts say computing skills should be on par with reading and writing
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January 8, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Ticket prices increase on 13 Jan ⏳

In May, DataFest returns to explore how data & AI are transforming the systems, industries, and societies of tomorrow.

Connect with key players in data & AI, gain valuable insights, & be part of the conversation.

Secure your ticket now: https://ow.ly/iAjP50XKr1L
January 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM
💡 Ready to uncover the value hidden in your data? Our webinar on 20 Jan will show Scottish SMEs & social enterprises how to tap into 2–5 days of funded support, helping you improve efficiency, reduce costs, & make smarter use of your data.

🕛 20 Jan, 12-12:45 PM
👉 Register: https://ow.ly/SVnV50XHk62
January 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM
⏳ Planning a data or AI project for 2026?

Our MSc Data and AI Student Placement Programme offers Scottish organisations access to skilled, motivated students.

📅 Submit your project proposal by 23 January 2026
👉 partners@thedatalab.com

https://ow.ly/CsEO50XHk03
January 5, 2026 at 9:00 AM
🎄 Happy holidays from all of us at The Data Lab!

🌟Our team will be taking a holiday break starting tomorrow, returning on January 5th. If you have any questions, do reach out to us at info@thedatalab.com (we’ll get back to you in Jan), or visit www.thedatalab.com to learn more about what we do.
December 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM
💡 Upskill for an AI-ready future: SMES, join our free workshop!

Using our Data & AI Skills Framework, you’ll learn how to assess your organisation’s current capabilities, spot priority skill gaps, & gain insights.

📅 Next session: 21 Jan, 12–1PM — online

👉: https://ow.ly/xHfo50Xy50I
December 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM
💡Looking to access emerging data & AI talent?

Our MSc Data & AI Student Placement Programme is back for 2026, offering Scottish organisations the opportunity to work with top-tier students on real-world data projects.

🔗 Learn more: https://ow.ly/VifT50Xy4U4
December 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Tickets for DataFest are live!

2 days of innovation, world-class speakers, & networking await, under this year’s theme, Intelligent Futures - exploring how data & AI are shaping the industries, systems, & societies of tomorrow.

🔗 Secure your ticket at our lowest price: https://ow.ly/Gpcg50Xya6p
December 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🎤 We’re excited to welcome Dr Maya Indira Ganesh to the DataFest lineup! Maya is an Assistant Research Professor and Associate Director (Research Partnerships & Culture) at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence at the University of Cambridge.

🎟️ Tickets: https://ow.ly/puRp50XHjjY
December 11, 2025 at 11:25 AM
🎓 Funding opportunity for Scottish universities – Masters Scholarship Programme 26/27

• Secure funding for new/existing courses
• Enhance student employability & industry connections
• Work closely with us and be part of Scotland’s growing data community

Apply by 16 Jan: https://ow.ly/w6S550Xy4qx
December 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM
📢 Exhibit at DataFest 2026!

Showcase your products, services & ideas to 600+ delegates from across industry, academia & public sector.

Why exhibit?

🔍 Showcase your work
🤝 Connect with leaders
🎓 Access top talent
🌟 Brand visibility

Find out more & get in touch: https://ow.ly/xX6s50Xy9zZ
December 10, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🚀 Rural AI Roadshow – coming to your area in January 2026!

Are you looking to explore AI’s potential for your business or community? Don’t miss this free conference series across rural Scotland:

📍 Inverness: 27 Jan
📍 Dundee: 28 Jan
📍 Gretna: 29 Jan

Reserve your spot now: https://ow.ly/GaCZ50Xy4i0
December 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM
💡 Upskill for an AI-ready future

Join our free workshop designed for Scottish SMEs. Using The Data Lab’s Data & AI Skills Framework, you'll explore how to assess your team's current skills, identify gaps, and develop a clear upskilling plan.

Register your interest, here: https://ow.ly/zGYe50Xy4bM
December 8, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🎉 The Data Lab Community’s Data Viz Competition is OPEN, with a top prize worth over £500!

Whether you’re a pro or just starting your data viz journey, this is your chance to hone your skills, demonstrate your abilities, & connect with a global data & AI community.

🔗 https://ow.ly/MSPV50Xy3Wu
Data Visualisation Competition: Exploring Climate Action - The Data Lab
Hone your data viz skills by entering The Data Lab Community's data visualisation competition. Over £1,000 worth of prizes to be won!
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December 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM
New guest blog alert!

This week, we’re handing the mic to Sarah Burne James, Client Adoption Specialist (IBM), who brings a fresh and fun perspective to the world of mainframes.

Read Sarah's blog here 👉: https://thedatalab.com/guest-blog/reflections-on-2025-mainframe/
December 5, 2025 at 9:00 AM
We’re delighted to announce that Nic Granger OBE, Chief Information and Financial Officer at the North Sea Transition Authority, has been appointed Chair of The Data Lab Governance Board.

Read more about Nic’s appointment and vision here: thedatalab.com/news/new-cha...
December 4, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Keen to host a placement project?

Our MSc Student Placement Programme connects Scottish organisations with talented data & AI students to work on real-world projects. Pre-holidays are a great time to get your project ideas on the table so you’re ready to apply in Jan.

👉 https://ow.ly/sWb550Xy3rU
December 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🎤 Speaker Announcement!

We’re excited to welcome Hanah-Marie Darley to the DataFest lineup! Hannah is the Co-Founder and Chief AI Officer at Geordie AI, bringing 12+ years of government and industry experience in AI and cybersecurity.

🎟️ Early bird tickets are live: https://datafest.global/tickets
December 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM
📣 Free data and AI transformation course for SMEs in January

Access AI readiness, identify opportunities, and build responsible, strategic data and AI roadmaps aligned with your organisational and business goals.

Register your interest and find out more here: https://ow.ly/efsQ50Xy3nY
December 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM
⏳ Still time to apply!

Don’t let financial barriers hold you back—fully funded MSc scholarships are still available for January starts at top Scottish universities!

👉 Check out eligible courses on our website: https://thedatalab.com/academy/masters/scholarships/
December 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM
📢 Join our webinar this Wednesday to discover how your organisation can benefit from our MSc Student Placement Programme.

Hear from past hosts and student alumni, learn how to scope a successful project and understand the recruitment process.

🔗: https://ow.ly/caJH50Xy1z3
December 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM
📢 Our Masters Scholarship Programme provides funding for Scottish universities to offer scholarships on data & AI courses.

Apply for continued funding for existing programmes or propose new ones, working with us to equip students with skills, connections & experience.

🔗 https://ow.ly/Jhoz50XsZS6
November 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Are you just beginning your AI journey or looking to further progress existing initiatives? Attend a free Rural AI Roadshow conference near you. Taking place in Inverness on 27 Jan, Dundee on 28 Jan and Gretna on 29 Jan. Spaces are free but limited, book now! https://ow.ly/F9jp50XsYVt
November 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Have you checked out the new DataFest website yet? 👀

Stay up to date with speaker announcements, agenda updates, and all the latest on DataFest 2026 - Scotland’s leading data & AI festival.

While you’re there, don’t forget to secure your early bird tickets!

🔗 Explore now: https://datafest.global/
November 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🚨 The Data Lab Community has announced its Monthly Themes for 2026!

Monthly, we'll focus on a key topic in data & AI, guiding events, discussions, & content around the latest trends.

Find out more about how you can get involved and register your interest here: https://ow.ly/pF0r50XxoRV
November 25, 2025 at 12:01 PM