Leeds celebrates all things digital

12 April 2018

Leeds celebrates all things digital

The University helps throw the spotlight on digital technology during the coming fortnight as organisations from across the region come together for Leeds Digital Festival (LDF).

VR technology being enjoyed by youngsters. Picture by Duncan Elliott

Launching on Monday 16 April, the two-week programme includes talks, workshops, networking and live coding.

The University is a key supporter for this year’s festival and is partnering with organisations from across the digital sector to give the public the opportunity to learn from digital professionals working throughout the city.

People are invited on to campus for more than a dozen LDF events from 16-27 April, which explore the use of digital technology in education, research, health and enterprise. Events run by the University are just some of the many sessions taking part throughout the city.

Among the many highlights on campus are:

Immersive Technologies (AR/VR) on 18 April. Get a taste of the variety of research that uses immersive technology across the University, with talks and demonstrations from projects looking at hand-eye coordination, driving and pedestrian simulation, as well as using VR to train medical students in surgery.

University of Leeds Fair: Tackling the Digital Skills Gap on 23 April. This event in Parkinson Court will look at how the digital skills gap can be tackled and showcase a range of potential solutions, such as creating online learning courses for businesses, blended learning degrees and degree apprenticeships offered in partnership with business. More details are available on the For Staff website.

#AlgoraveAssembly on 27 April. A live coding masterclass, panel discussion and two concerts at the School of Music, which feature performers from the forefront of the Algorave scene, including OFFAL, The Yorkshire Programming Ensemble (TYPE), NikNak and multiple breakbeat DJ’s.

Professor Neil Morris, Director of Digital Learning at Leeds, said: “The University is proud to support the Leeds Digital Festival and help celebrate the city’s growing reputation as a leader in the digital world.

“Across the University, digital technology is constantly being used in new and innovative ways, and the Leeds Digital Festival is a great opportunity for us to show more people what we’re doing and how we keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”

The full University programme for LDF is outlined below, which includes a range of free and paid events.

Monday 16 April

Introduction to R LIDA, Worsley Building, 1-4pm
Medical Device Regulation and Big Data Maurice Keyworth Building, 1.15-4pm
Health Tweet Feast Online, 16-22 April

Tuesday 17 April

Living in Leeds – Big Data Analytics in Health: Personal Data & Public Trust Worsley Building, 10am to noon
Technology in Medical Education Charles Thackrah Building, 3-5pm
Immersive Technology AR/VR at the University of Leeds Charles Thackrah Building, 6-8.30pm

Thursday 19 April

Building Simple Smartphone Apps Without Coding Worsley Building, 9am to 12.30pm

Saturday 21 April

Feel/Hear/See/Do: A Digital Odyssey Interactive walk around Leeds, various times between 21-27 April

Monday 23 April

Building Simple Smartphone Apps Without Coding 2 Worsley Building, 9am to 12.30pm
Digital Education: Free Online Learning Opportunities for Students Transitioning to University Parkinson Building, 2-3pm
The Impact of Digital on the Future of the University Parkinson Building, 3.30-5pm
University of Leeds Fair: Tackling the Digital Skills Gap Parkinson Court, noon to 5pm

Wednesday 25 April