#DDIdiscussion Event Summary | Data-driven Innovation in AI

Data-driven innovation can power artificial intelligence (AI) to provide solutions to a range of societal challenges, a DDI webinar heard.   Roy Donaldson, a Technical Solutions Architect at Cisco Systems, told delegates at the event,  The role of data-driven innovation in AI, that asking which business sectors were embracing AI was the wrong question.  He…

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University of Edinburgh Programme to Address National Data Skills Shortage

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The University of Edinburgh is launching an updated range of short courses, aimed at helping people develop the data skills that have been identified as vital for economic recovery, following the Covid-19 pandemic. A range of new courses funded by the Scottish Funding Council, which provide non-traditional routes for individuals to access courses in data…

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#DDIdiscussions | Open Finance, Ethics and Social Inclusion

Consumers must be involved in designing financial services if open banking and open finance are going to have a positive impact on social inclusion, a DDI seminar was told. Open Finance, Ethics and Social Inclusion heard that opening up consumers’ data could deliver significant benefits, especially in terms of addressing the challenges of the unbanked…

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Data-driven projects join cross-university Venture Builder Incubator

Twenty-seven data-driven projects have been chosen as the first cohort of the Data-Driven Entrepreneurship Venture Builder Incubator. The cohort will benefit from tailored content and support, mentoring and conferences to turn their ideas and early-stage projects into sustainable businesses. Through the Data Driven Innovation (DDI) programme of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region…

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In support of a UK Centre for AI and the Creative Industries

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University of Edinburgh statement in support of the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre proposal to the UK Government  We fully support the proposal by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) led by Nesta for a strategic investment in a UK Centre for AI and the Creative Industries as a part of the…

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DDI Discussions: Covid-19 & Data – One year on

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Twelve months after the first national lockdown, an expert panel gave us their insights on a year like no other Watch the panel discussion here.   The use of data during the Covid-19 pandemic has raised big questions about how much personal information people are willing to share – and what they get in return.…

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New online artworks demystify Artificial Intelligence

Artworks launch to the public on 8 March, with live events 5.30pm-6.30pm on 11 and 18 March.   Two captivating pieces by globally acclaimed artists, which explore the boundary between the physical and digital worlds, are being jointly presented by the University of Edinburgh with the Edinburgh International Festival . Online artworks presented by eminent AI artists Jake Elwes , and Anna…

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DDI ‘Building Back Better’ Open Call Awards

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Twenty-one data-driven research projects, which include tackling homelessness, tourism recovery and job retention in the football industry, will receive funding as part of the DDI initiative’s ‘Building back better’ open call.    ‘Building Back Better’ Open Call  DDI have funded projects covering a range of themes, including Smarter Places; Creative and Cultural Recovery; Climate, Food and Sustainability; and Health and Wellbeing. …

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Vaccine roll-out working, first national study suggests

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Vaccination has been linked to a substantial reduction in the risk of Covid-19 admissions to Scotland’s hospitals, landmark research suggests. The study is the first to describe across an entire country the effect of the Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca jabs in the community on preventing severe illness resulting in hospitalisation. Previous results about vaccine efficacy have…

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