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Support for the future 4 editions of the women in computing event: Hopper Colloquia 2025-2028

Funder EPSRC (part of UKRI)
Recipient organisation University College London
Funding £8K
Period Dec 2025 — Dec 2033

In plain English

AI plain-English summary

Every year, women in computing gather in London for a free, one-day event where only women give talks, and the cash prizes go to postgraduate women. The London Hopper Colloquium has run since 2006, modelled on the US Grace Hopper Celebration, and this grant funds its next four editions from 2025 to 2028 at UCL. The problem is straightforward: women remain underrepresented in computer science, and visible role models and peer networks are scarce. The event addresses this by putting female speakers on stage and giving postgraduate women a spotlight competition with cash awards—tangible recognition that can build confidence and career momentum. Anyone can attend, but the stage belongs to women. If the colloquium continues to attract and inspire participants, it could help shift the pipeline. More women who attend may stay in computing, pursue research, or move into senior roles. The impact is not on a specific technology or system—it is on the people who build them. Over time, a more diverse workforce shapes everything from algorithm design to workplace culture. The funding covers catering and awards; the venue is free. The real cost is simply keeping the door open.

View original technical description
London Hopper is an annual event for women in Computer Science. It features invited talks by female role models in Computer Science and a spotlight competition with cash awards for post graduate level women students. Anyone, male or women can attend, but only women can give talks. Hopper is free to attend and no registration fee is required. That is why we need to raise the funds ourselves. By means of this application, we seek funding from EPSRC to be able to organise it for 4 more years, 2025-2028 at UCL. These will happen n UCL, since we are from UCL and have access to free and accessible venues. The funding is to cover our cash awards and catering expenses for one lunch and two coffee breaks. London Hopper was modelled after US's Grace Hopper Celebrations. It was initiated in the UK by Professor Ursula Martin CBE in 2006. Since then, it happened in different locations in Scotland and England, and eventually settled down in London for the last decade. Hopper has been happening in UCL since 2019. Its 17th edition on 24th of May 2024 is supported by EPSRC, BCS, and CICSO. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/computer-science/about/equity-diversity-and-inclusion/gender-equality-athena-swan/london-hopper-colloquium#:~:text=Hopper%202024,will%20share%20more%20information%20soon.

View the original record at the funder ↗

Researchers

Elaine Pimentel (Co-Investigator)Mehrnoosh Sadrzadeh (Principal Investigator)

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Original classification

Research and Innovation

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