Ada Lovelace Day 2026

Women in Computational Biology in Scotland

15 October 2026 · Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow · in person & online

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Free
A hybrid workshop celebrating women in computational biology and launching a broader series of community-building events.
Central to cancer research, yet women are underrepresented

Why this matters

Computational approaches are now central to modern biology and biomedicine. As research becomes increasingly data-rich and complex, computational biology plays a vital role in integrating, analysing, and interpreting information, generating hypotheses, and accelerating discovery. These approaches are essential not only for making sense of biology, but ultimately for improving patients’ lives.

Women remain underrepresented across many computational and mathematical disciplines, from early training through to senior leadership, and this continues to shape not only who is seen and heard in science, but also the kinds of questions we ask, the tools we build, and the cultures we create.

This workshop aims to celebrate the contributions of women working across computational biology, while also creating space for open and constructive conversations about the challenges women continue to face in STEM. This first edition is intended to launch a series of events aimed at building a visible, connected, and supportive community of women in computational biology.

Read our statement →

One day, ten sessions

Programme at a glance

15 October 2026 · 10:30–17:30 · Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute, Glasgow — in person & online.

  1. 10:30Registration — tea & coffee on arrival
  2. 11:00Welcome — Luciana Luque, CRUK Scotland Institute
  3. 11:05Patient talk
  4. 11:15Invited talks — Lyndsay Kerr · Fiona Macfarlane · Naomi van den Berg
  5. 12:15Keynote 1 — Cicely K. Macnamara (St Andrews)
  6. 13:00Lunch, posters & networking
  7. 14:30Selected talks from submitted abstracts
  8. 15:15Keynote 2 — Jane Hillston (Edinburgh)
  9. 16:00Panel discussions
  10. 17:00Drinks reception

Full programme & timings →

Confirmed progressively

Speakers

The workshop is specifically intended to highlight women based in Scotland. Alongside the keynote talks, the programme will include invited speakers, selected short talks, and a panel discussion. We are also inviting a patient and public involvement representative to open the workshop by speaking about the importance of including women in research, particularly in computational biology.

Jane Hillston
Jane Hillston
Keynote · University of Edinburgh
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Cicely K. Macnamara
Cicely K. Macnamara
Keynote · University of St Andrews
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Lyndsay Kerr
Lyndsay Kerr
Invited talk · University of Strathclyde
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Naomi van den Berg
Naomi van den Berg
Invited talk · CRUK Scotland Institute
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Fiona Macfarlane
Fiona Macfarlane
Invited talk · Certara, St Andrews
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Luciana Luque
Luciana Luque
Chair
CRUK Scotland Institute
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All speakers & bios →

Support excellent science, inclusively

Sponsorship

A focused, high-impact workshop with clear visibility for partners who support women in computational biology. Tiered sponsorship plus targeted opportunities — full details in the pack.

Gold Sponsorship details → Silver Sponsorship details → Bronze Sponsorship details → Lunch · Drinks · Prizes · Travel fund Targeted opportunities →

See the full sponsorship pack →

Register now

Free admission. Travel grants and caring-responsibility funding can be requested on the registration form. Places are limited.

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Register now