Explore cutting-edge ideas DataFest champions Scotland as a hub for data and AI excellence. It’s a space to celebrate innovation, share ideas, and explore the future together. Entering its ninth year, DataFest 2026 will run under the theme “Intelligent Futures”. We’ll explore how data and AI are transforming the systems, industries, and societies of tomorrow. […]
News
Masters scholarships funding call now open to Scottish universities
Scottish universities can now apply to become part of The Data Lab Masters Scholarship Programme for the Academic Year 2026-2027, providing students with scholarships to participate in a programme of employability, networking, and skills training alongside their academic studies. The Data Lab Masters Scholarship Programme is a collaborative effort between The Data Lab and Scottish […]
£500 up for grabs in data viz competition exploring climate action
The Data Lab Community’s Data Visualisation Competition returns for 2025. Data viz enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in the 2025 The Data Lab Community‘s competition. Tell the story of the hidden benefits of climate action to our health, community and beyond. Whether you are a seasoned data viz pro or just getting started, this competition […]
Reflections on Black History: Innovation, creativity and courage
Guest blog by Abel Aboh, Board Member, The Data Lab Scotland Did you know that the iconic “Thin White Duke” persona of David Bowie was created by a Black woman? Her name was Ola Hudson, an extraordinary costume designer who worked with the Pointer Sisters, John Lennon, and David Bowie himself. Hudson’s creative genius shaped […]
Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards open with new categories
The 11th Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards (SKEA), Scotland’s flagship celebration of business–academic collaboration, launched last week, inviting applications from businesses and academics throughout Scotland. The annual awards, organised by Interface, celebrate the partnerships between business, third and public sector organisations, and colleges and universities. This year introduces two new categories: Trailblazing AI Collaborations and Research and […]
From Data to Diagnosis: How AI Is Revolutionising Healthcare
Healthcare systems are facing unprecedented pressures, with demand outpacing resources and services struggling to keep up. In Scotland alone, Public Health Scotland estimates that the NHS could be managing around 1,300 additional unplanned hospital admissions every week, largely driven by an ageing population. Cancer treatment waiting times are now the worst on record, with a third of patients with […]
Embracing the economic potential of AI in Scotland
A new programme helping Scottish companies seize the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) has been launched. Supported by nearly £1 million of Scottish Government funding, it will offer small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) a range of support – including tailored consultancy services and grants – to introduce or expand the use of AI in order to […]
From Data to Decisions: Building Trustworthy AI in Financial Services
In this guest blog, we’re pleased to welcome insights from David Bull, Senior Consultant at Talan. With over 15 years of experience across Retail, Commercial, and Investment Banking, as well as industries including Transport and Renewable Energy, David has led projects spanning data analytics, regulatory change, and remediation. Drawing on his expertise in data governance […]
Whitepaper sets out route to Scotland’s data and AI success
Skills whitepaper launched to help Scotland overcome skills gaps and become a thriving data-powered economy. The Data Lab, Scotland’s data and AI innovation centre, has today launched a new whitepaper, ‘Data and AI Skills in Scotland: Closing the Gap for a Promising Economic Future’. The report outlines research findings and recommendations on closing the data and […]
Beyond the AI Hype: Scaling Financial Intelligence That Delivers
In this guest blog, we’re pleased to welcome insights from Simon Axon, Global Financial Services Strategist at Teradata. Simon explores the challenges financial institutions face in scaling AI beyond proof-of-concept. He examines how banks can move from traditional data management to real-time, signal-oriented AI applications that support fraud prevention, personalisation, risk management, and regulatory compliance. […]