Diversity celebrated in new computer lab artwork

Diverse figures that have made major contributions through history to maths, statistics and computer science are now on display for students in teaching and social spaces.

A total of 25 pioneering computer scientists and mathematicians, representing a mix of nationalities, ethnicities and genders, have been turned into eye-catching posters to inspire students in those subjects and demonstrate the University’s commitment to supporting diversity in its community.

Figures include 19^th century mathematician Ada Lovelace, regarded as the first computer programmer, Raj Reddy, the first person of Asian origin to win the Turing Award in 1994, and Maryam Mirzakhani, an outstanding Iranian maths professor who died of breast cancer in 2017 aged 40. (Full list of figures below)

The posters also feature quotes from the individuals that emphasise the importance of the subjects being open and inclusive.

The artwork is on display in the main teaching lab and the Master’s computer lab in Computer Science in Polly Vacher, and one of the main teaching rooms and common room in Mathematics and Statistics building. 

The Diverse Figures project was developed by a team of colleagues from the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics and Computer Science, the Creative and Print Studio and Marketing, Communications and Engagement. The team was led by Dawn Aggas, Louise Strange and Hannah Milway.

Similar posters are planned for spaces in Meteorology, to celebrate a new set of diverse figures.

Dr Calvin Smith, Associate Professor in Mathematics & Statistics and School Director of Teaching & Learning, said: “I passionately believe that it is our responsibility as educators to dismantle barriers to learning where they are encountered.

“If we want our students to thrive then it is important we create an environment in which they are actively and explicitly welcomed into and feel included in. Part of this is increasing the visibility of underrepresented groups and their work. I'm thrilled we've been able to achieve this.” 

Louise Strange, Executive Support Officer in the School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences, said: “I think it is important for us to encourage a sense of belonging within our students to help support and empower them to believe anything is possible.

“By visually highlighting the diversity of mathematicians, statisticians and computer scientists this shows that we, as a School, are creating an inclusive, welcoming and vibrant community where everyone is celebrated and valued. I want us to be a community where every student feels at home and is empowered to do amazing things.” 

Dr Allán Laville, Dean for Diversity & Inclusion, said: “Much of our institutional Diversity and Inclusion strategy focuses on the importance of representation across protected characteristics.

“This project is an excellent example of how to improve representation of diverse figures at a School level, which I am sure will be very well received by colleagues and students.”

Full list of poster figures: