
In early November, The Data Lab hosted a captivating gathering in Aberdeen that delved deep into data and artificial intelligence. Titled ‘AI and You: How AI is shaping your Experience’, the fringe event was an extension of the larger Data Summit 2023 in Edinburgh. It brought together data professionals and enthusiasts at OneTech Hub to discuss how AI is already shaping our everyday lives.
Spearheaded by Adetayo Adeyemi, Business Development Executive for The Data Lab, the event aimed to grow and connect the existing data community in Aberdeenshire. Adetayo also wanted to engage directly with the ecosystem and community and highlight TDL services and available support for data and AI-driven initiatives. As part of these discussions, attendees were directed to The Data Lab Community, where they could continue conversations and build on their network.
For those who missed it, here are some of the highlights:

Opening insights
Opening the session was Dr Pascal Ezenkwu, an AI researcher, ML engineer and lecturer at Robert Gordon University. In 2022, Dr Ezenkwu was recognised as a UK Global Talent in AI by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Over the years, He has gained practical experience through several interdisciplinary and industrial research projects. These projects have been successful in the application of AI in businesses. His keynote session provided a grounded examination of AI’s impact on our daily lives and explored both its potential benefits and risks.
Real-world applications of AI
Professor Eyad Elyan, who specialises in machine learning and machine vision, translated the theoretical into the practical. His session reflected on real-world AI applications and illuminated the current transformations within life sciences and health tech, offering tangible insights for attendees to grasp the applications in their work.
Professor Elyan leads the machine vision research group at Robert Gordon University. He has attracted funds to support his research from many public funding bodies, including Innovate UK, The Data Lab Innovation Centre and Oil and Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC), Historic Environment Scotland and others. His experience and knowledge of funding application processes, alongside his specialisms, allowed him to provide quick, on-the-spot recommendations during the event.

Future of humanity in space
As NASA’s Dr Katherine Rahill, part of the Human Research Division at Johnson Space Centre, took to the main stage at Edinburgh’s Data Summit, her discussion was live-streamed to the Aberdeen attendees. This session explored the future of humanity in space, exemplifying the power of connectivity in the digital age.
Exploring AI frontiers
A panel featuring Dr Pascal Ezenkwu, Professor Eyad Elyan, and Dr Yaji Sripada engaged with the audience on pressing questions. From transparency frameworks to the role of AI in diverse industries, the panel provided practical insights, steering clear of jargon to make the content accessible.
Reflections on the AI landscape
As the event drew to a close, Dr Yaji Sripada, a Natural Language AI Technology expert, offered a comprehensive recap. With a focus on responsible AI use, Dr Sripada’s insights provided a practical guide for navigating the evolving landscape of AI.
Data and AI ecosystem support
Integral to the Aberdeen Data Summit’s success was the active participation of The Data Lab’s Ecosystem Partners. Organisations such as Interface, Deepminer, Codethecity, RGU-Accelerator Programme, University of Aberdeen-ABVentures, and Barclays Eagle Labs were present, extending their support for innovation and entrepreneurial ventures. During the event, they were introduced to delegates and encouraged to speak with them on available support for innovation and for starting or scaling businesses.
A networking triumph
While the event followed a structured agenda, the real value emerged during networking sessions. With 48 attendees, the summit provided a platform for meaningful connections and discussions in the heart of Aberdeen. Adetayo Adeyemi found herself at the centre of attention, fielding inquiries and facilitating connections to The Data Lab’s services.

What’s next for Aberdeen’s data and AI crowd?
In retrospect, the Aberdeen Data Summit stands as a significant milestone for the region. As The Data Lab continues its mission to catalyse innovation, the success of this fringe event serves as a beacon for future endeavours. Adetayo feels that this is only the beginning for the Aberdeenshire data community, and is already planning future events that will help encourage more conversation and collaboration in the area.
Connect with AI enthusiasts
Join The Data Lab Community to connect with fellow AI enthusiasts and stay up to date with upcoming events. Alongside local in-person events, we also host regular online discussions in a variety of formats and often tailored to specific industries. Be part of the conversation!
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