THE DATA LAB, Scotland’s Innovation Centre for Data and AI, has announced that its online community has reached 5,000 members, doubling its numbers since last year.
Launched in September 2021, The Data Lab Community has become a global forum for data and AI professionals, students, and enthusiasts to connect, collaborate, and grow.
The community now boasts members from 83 countries and with a commitment to engaging underrepresented groups, 45% of members are women and 25% are from ethnic minorities.
The community offers free mentorship opportunities, sector-focused events, and a data and AI jobs board that has posted over 1,700 jobs since its inception.
Paul McMillan, Community & Events Programme Manager at The Data Lab, said: “We’re delighted to see our Community grow and develop into a thriving, collaborative space for data and AI enthusiasts in Scotland and beyond in less than three years.
“The impact The Data Lab Community has had already connecting those passionate about data and AI and adding value to our members through mentorship and job opportunities has far exceeded our expectations.”
Membership in The Data Lab Community provides significant benefits.
Tricia Govindasamy, a member who recently moved to Scotland from South Africa, secured a job as an Information Analyst at Public Health Scotland through the community’s job board.
She said: “Before moving to Scotland to pursue my studies, I joined The Data Lab Community to get involved in the data and AI space and network with people in the UK.
“People have been really helpful, and the knowledge and networking have exceeded my expectations. I have been able to make connections that I wouldn’t ordinarily have access to.”
The Community’s focus on inclusivity is evident in its sub-groups like Women in Data and AI and Neurodivergence in Data and AI.
These groups support individuals from marginalized backgrounds by improving access to training, upskilling, and mentorship opportunities.
Only 24% of people working in tech in the UK are women, and 12% are from a BAME background, making The Data Lab’s efforts in promoting diversity significant.
Since its launch, The Data Lab Community has hosted over 120 events with more than 3,500 attendees.
These events highlight key Scottish sectors, such as the Public Sector, Geospatial Data, and Net Zero.
This month, the focus is on the Financial Sector, with an event at CodeBase Edinburgh on June 19 to discuss data-driven innovation in finance.
