Lovelace-Hodgkin Symposium

The Lovelace-Hodgkin Symposium is named in honour of two women who made significant contributions to the fields of computing technology, science, ethics and inclusion: Ada Lovelace and Dorothy Hodgkin. 

Born in 1815, Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician and writer, renowned for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She is often considered the world's first computer programmer, creating the first algorithm intended to be carried out by a machine. Lovelace's pioneering insights into computing laid the groundwork for modern computer programming. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Lovelace considered her work "poetical science" and asked questions beyond numerical calculations, about whether the Analytical Machine could be used to examine how individuals and society relate to technology as a collaborative tool. Lovelace was an early example of a computer technologist considering human-computer interface and interaction. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists and technologists, leading to the establishment of Ada Lovelace Day, taking place a week after our symposium, dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women in STEM fields.

Dorothy Hodgkin was a British chemist whose ground-breaking work in X-ray crystallography revolutionised the field of structural biology. Born in 1910, Hodgkin's research led to the determination of the three-dimensional structures of important biochemical substances, including penicillin and insulin. Her contributions were instrumental in advancing our understanding of molecular structure and function, earning her the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964. Hodgkin achieved all this while raising a family, overcoming the difficulties of her own disability, and advocating vocally for social equalty throughout her life. 

In naming this symposium after Ada Lovelace and Dorothy Hodgkin, we pay homage to their extraordinary intellect, passion for advancing knowledge, humanity and recognition of the inequlities of their time. These two women are inspiration to all who seek to push the boundaries of human understanding and to harness the power of technology for the betterment of society.

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First published: 13 May 2024