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Nela’s Chair Report – 22 December 2012

22/12/2012

The end of 2012 was super busy indeed ! In November, I attended the 2nd European Gender Summit, which took place at the European Parliament in Brussels. I presented a poster ‘Girls Who Hack are Awesome’ in a Virtual Summit Exhibition, spoke to loads of fascinating women (and men) working at the forefront of gender research in Europe, North and South America and met some nice peeps from the EU Commission!

Representing QMUL at the European Parliament

enjoying amazing architecture ...

and interesting artwork 🙂

In December, we organised a joint Christmas party with WISE@QMUL and the student branch of IEEE (with mulled wine, mince pies and 600 Christmas songs – see pics below) and had a series of lunch-time sessions meeting new members and planning future activities (including assisting with Teen Tech Awards!). Myself, Pollie and Nic are stepping down from our duties as Chair, Communications and Secretary to wrap up our PhD’s from January 2013 (Ilze will still remain as Treasurer), so we also appointed a new Secretary/Comms guru Patricia ! (ps the call for the chair is still open so if you are thinking of applying, get in touch via email at: ghack@eecs.qmul.ac.uk).

Wishing everyone a wonderful Xmas with lots of nice food (and cakes) and looking forward to another AWESOME year!

Go G.Hack !

New G.Hack members Mi and Tian practicing DJ-ing skills !

Last people 'standing' at the end of G.Hack+WISE@QMUL+IEEE Xmas gathering !

 

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Nela’s Chair Report – 14 October 2012

14/10/2012
EECS wins Athena Swan Bronze Award with G.Hack mentioned as a noteworthy good practice !
The new academic year has kicked-off in style ! On Wednesday 26 September, Professor Geraint Wiggins and myself flew to Belfast to receive the Athena Swan Bronze Award, awarded to the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science by the Athena Swan Charter for women in science in recognition of commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEMM academia ! It was a great day for EECS and a great day for our ‘home grown’ girls hacking club G.Hack, who’s activities have impressed the Athena Swan panel (I was told this in person) and who were mentioned at the ceremony as an example of a “noteworthy good practice” ! The audience chuckled at the mention of ‘girls who hack’ (probably thinking we were doing something illegal) but I felt very proud when my name was called and I got up to receive the award on behalf of the department. I knew how much time and effort this small group of exceptional female PhD’s had put into those activities and being publicly recognised for our humble contribution to the departments Athena Swan application meant a lot !

Receiving the Athena Swan Bronze Award on behalf of EECS

G.Hack at EU Researchers Night
Two days later, on Friday 28 September, myself, Nicola and Ilze dusted off the Sound Mapping London Tea Houses installation for the exhibition at the EU Researchers Night alongside a variety of other projects being staged at the newly refurbished People’s Palace. What a fun way to kick-start the new academic year and catch up with the girls !

Visitors searching for the perfect tea house soundscape ...

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