University Of East London Partners With Innovators To Ignite Digital Sparks
The University of East London took part in a workshop and exhibition on 1 March launching the next phase of the Newham Sparks programme, which includes the plans for a Data Campus at Newham Town Hall, East Ham.
Some 100 students and digital partners from across the borough joined the Newham Sparks Data Campus Discovery Event which also hosted residents, community leaders, and investors.
As part of the event, Professor of Computer Sciences and Director of Education and Experience Gaurav Malik and Community Officer Jameelah Webster took part in a panel discussion on the role of education chaired by the Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz.
The partnership with the council forms part of UEL’s alignment with Newham Sparks, a £1.2 million investment programme to bring digital and data led education, skills, and employment opportunities to the borough.
The University is looking to build a strong working relationship with Newham Council, especially in the fields of data and digital through the Newham Sparks initiative, as well as working on green economy and sustainability initiatives.
UEL offers knowledge data and digital subjects through its academic programmes and provides practical applications through its apprenticeships schemes, which links students to employers.
Additionally, UEL’s Knowledge Dock Business Centre connects students with local SMEs and businesses. One example is AI Detect, a cybersecurity consultancy firm, which has acquired a UEL intern through our funded internship scheme.
Greta Paa-Kerner, Head of Employer Engagement and Partnerships, said: “We are excited to be aligning with the Newham Sparks initiative and to be contributing to the responsible use of data for the public good.
Through our Vision 2028 strategy, UEL has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, and we believe that our partnership with Newham will lead to new opportunities for our students, graduates, and the wider community.
“We look forward to working closely with Newham and other local partners to support the development of a sustainable data ecosystem that will lead to innovation, job creation, and economic growth.”
Newham is well placed to become a centre for the data and digital economy due to its existing ecosystem of innovation that includes the Innovation District in Olympic Park; plans for the lower Lee Valley data centre; and Royal Docks Enterprise Zone, the setting for the university’s Docklands Campus.
Its population is one of the most diverse and youngest in London, with the high quality of Newham schools and achievements of students presenting a significant future workforce opportunity.