The Data Lab
Scotland's Innovation Centre for Data and AI. We help companies, organisations and individuals capitalise on the opportunities that exist within data and AI. thedatalab.com
- 🚨 New speaker for DataFest - Charles Smith, CMO for IBM, & one of Marketing Week’s Top 100 (2025). Charlie brings experience across marketing, digital & transformation, with previous roles at Aviva, Vodafone, NatWest, Ovo Energy & Scottish Development International. 🎟️ ow.ly/hfbh50Y9jmp
- 🤖 Prepare your team for an AI-driven world with our engaging 90-minute workshop, specifically designed for Scottish SMEs. Dive into The Data Lab Data and AI Skills Framework (2025) & start building pathways to upskill & reskill your workforce. 🗓️ 12 Feb – Online 👉: ow.ly/oNoH50Y4p0O
- Ready to turn your research or creativity into an impactful business? Converge is now open for applications! Open to staff, students & recent graduates across Scotland's universities, this is your chance to test & validate your idea in a safe space. Apply by 2 April ow.ly/14AR50Y8FeY
- 🚨 Calling Scottish organisations Looking for data & AI support on industry projects? Gain access to Scotland's brightest students who can help move your projects forward via our MSc Placement Programme! 📅 Submit your project proposal by 27 Feb 👉 partners@thedatalab.com ow.ly/zk3Y50Y4oMC
- AI is already a key enabling technology for Scotland, driving innovation, productivity & economic growth across sectors. We’re exploring whether a coordinated AI cluster could strengthen collaboration & scale impact. Have your say in our short survey, closes 28 Feb: ow.ly/zsqV50Y4oH9
- AI is changing marketing, but human insight, creativity, & good data are just as important. From personalised wine recommendations to debates over AI-generated fashion models, our latest blog explores how AI & people can work together to deliver campaigns that resonate. 👉 ow.ly/ezYp50Y5qIa
- Glasgow’s Elmbank Street mural has stirred up some debate. 🖌️ The first draft, created with AI, included a floating train and what looked like a bald eagle - and locals on social media weren’t impressed. Read the full story here: ow.ly/qPLq50Y3IjF
- Reposted by The Data Lab[Not loaded yet]
- 20 free places available – Cybersecurity Fundamentals Training this Wednesday (12-13:30) 🔐 This 90-min online interactive workshop is designed for Masters students from any discipline who want a practical introduction to cybersecurity. Find out more and apply for a space: ow.ly/xonT50XXUkF
- 📣 We’re exploring the potential for a Scotland-wide AI Cluster uniting industry, academia, the public sector and investors. Your insight matters - share your views via our short survey by 28 Feb: forms.office.com/pages/respon... Find out more: thedatalab.com/news/explori...
- 🤖📚 Shaping the Future of AI in Education Educator, school leader, policymaker, or passionate about ethical AI in education? Join us for the first in a new member-led series exploring the opportunities and challenges of AI in schools and colleges. Register for free: ow.ly/oX3Q50XVAKW
- 📣 New speaker added to DataFest lineup We're excited to announce that Theo Blackwell, London’s first Chief Digital Officer, will be speaking at DataFest, taking place on 27–28 May. A must-see talk for anyone interested in data and public innovation! Get your tickets: ow.ly/Xker50XZKBp
- AI analysis of cancer and health system data from 185 countries shows that the factors most strongly linked to survival vary by country - from radiotherapy access and universal health coverage to economic strength. 👉 sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/26…
- ⏰ Scottish organisations have just a few days left to submit project proposals for our MSc Data & AI Student Placement Programme. Now is the perfect time to get your proposal in. 📅 : 23 Jan 👉 partners@thedatalab.com ow.ly/WAPE50XHkKt
- The Rural AI Roadshow is filling fast - all events are now sold out minus Gretna (limited spaces). These free conferences highlight regional opportunities, pioneering projects & practical ways AI can support inclusive & sustainable growth in Scotland. • Gretna, 29 Jan: ow.ly/ybSt50XWCK9
- 🤖 Upskill for an AI-ready future Prepare your team for an AI-driven world with our workshop specifically designed for Scottish SMEs. Dive into our Data & AI Skills Framework (2025) & start building pathways to upskill & reskill your workforce. 🗓️ 4 Feb, 12 Feb 👉: ow.ly/xGnc50XHkBs
- An investigation by The Guardian led Google to remove some AI health summaries after they listed “normal” blood test ranges with little context and no consideration of age, sex, ethnicity, or nationality — risking false reassurance. Full story: ow.ly/Frtr50XVz98
- Join us this Thurs at 1pm for a webinar on Developing Digital Skills Across the Public Sector, in partnership with Scottish Gov's Data Division. We'll explore the work of the SDA & how it supports organisations to deliver modern, user-centred, data-driven services. ow.ly/lnaz50XU2az
- DataFest 2026 is fast approaching, and there's still time to get your ticket for our best price before early bird tickets end TOMORROW! ⏰ Join us on 27–28 May as we explore “Intelligent Futures” - how data & AI are shaping the systems, industries & societies of tomorrow. ow.ly/V3qb50XVsrA
- 🔮 What does 2026 hold for data, AI & tech? One of our most popular events is back — Data, AI & Tech Predictions 2026 — bringing the community together to explore the innovations & shifts that could shape the year ahead. 📍Bayes Centre + online 👉 Register for free: ow.ly/2iuA50XHkwl
- ⏰ One week left! Scottish universities still have time to submit applications for our Masters Scholarship Programme 26/27, funded by the Scottish Funding Council. Secure scholarships that support students on data & AI-related MSc programmes. 📅 Deadline: 16 Jan 👉 Apply: ow.ly/Lb8U50XHkcF
- 📰 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. 🔗 ow.ly/7PjC50XT43N
- 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: ow.ly/iAjP50XKr1L
- 💡 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: ow.ly/SVnV50XHk62
- ⏳ 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 ow.ly/CsEO50XHk03
- 🎄 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.
- 💡 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 👉: ow.ly/xHfo50Xy50I
- 💡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: ow.ly/VifT50Xy4U4
- 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: ow.ly/Gpcg50Xya6p
- 🎤 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: ow.ly/puRp50XHjjY
- 🎓 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: ow.ly/w6S550Xy4qx
- 📢 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: ow.ly/xX6s50Xy9zZ
- 🚀 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: ow.ly/GaCZ50Xy4i0
- 💡 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: ow.ly/zGYe50Xy4bM
- 🎉 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. 🔗 ow.ly/MSPV50Xy3Wu
- 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 👉: thedatalab.com/guest-blog/reflecti…
- 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...
- 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. 👉 ow.ly/sWb550Xy3rU
- 🎤 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: datafest.global/tickets
- 📣 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: ow.ly/efsQ50Xy3nY
- ⏳ 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: thedatalab.com/academy/masters/sch…
- 📢 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. 🔗: ow.ly/caJH50Xy1z3
- 📢 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. 🔗 ow.ly/Jhoz50XsZS6
- 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! ow.ly/F9jp50XsYVt
- 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: datafest.global
- 🚨 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: ow.ly/pF0r50XxoRV
- Reposted by The Data Lab[Not loaded yet]
- 🏆 Ready to turn data into a winning story? Our Data Visualisation Competition 2025 opens this Wednesday! Enter for a chance to win: 🛍️ £300 in retail vouchers 🎟️ 1 x ticket to DataFest 2026 🎉 The Data Lab Goodie Bag Register your interest and find out more, here: ow.ly/YkOa50XjF2l
- Working with talented MSc students through our placement programme helps organisations across Scotland turn ideas into real outcomes. If your organisation has a project idea for 2026, get in touch with our team at partners@thedatalab.com Find out more here: ow.ly/w7vQ50XinRU
- An introduction to AI and its opportunities Our final executive briefing for the year is on 1 Dec (10–11AM). For leaders in SMEs or social enterprises, this free online session will help you build awareness & leadership capacity around AI. 🔗 Spaces are limited — apply: ow.ly/9vZi50Xin7r
- Join us for a webinar on 'Accessible Data Visualisation in the Age of AI'. Jen Gates will explore how accessibility practices in data visualisation have progressed and whether AI tools are helping or hindering accessible visualisations. 📅 Fri 28 Nov, 12:30–13:30 👉 : ow.ly/Y84550Xic0U
- Speaker Announcement 🎤 We’re excited to kick off the DataFest 2026 lineup with the return of Colin Jarvis, Head of Forward Deployed Engineering at OpenAI. 🎟️ Get your early bird tickets now: datafest.global/tickets
