Digital futures at Oxford - thought leadership sessions 2021

Digital Futures at Oxford is a series of thought leadership sessions organised by IT Services where we are inviting leaders from industry and external organisations to share their views on the future direction of digital in higher education.

These online lunch time sessions will run on MS Teams and they are open to all members of the University. Links to recordings of the sessions will be shared after the event for those who cannot attend.

 

Digital Futures at Oxford: Amazon Web Services take on Digital Transformation

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform, offering over 200 fully featured services from data centres globally. They have millions of customers—including the fastest-growing start-ups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies—that are using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster. At this session, Phil Le-Brun, AWS Director of Enterprise Strategy, will be talking about his experience driving major digital transformation programmes for large corporations. He will also be sharing his views of what digital transformation means for the higher education sector.

Date and time: Friday 26 November 2021, 13:00-14:00

Presenter: Phil Le-Brun, Director AWS Enterprise Strategy

Link to session: On the day please join the meeting on MS Teams

Digital Futures at Oxford: The Future of Hybrid Working, Data and AI with Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology corporation producing computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services.

Microsoft will be presenting on how they are supporting the education sector to implement an end-to-end hybrid workplace through the use of Surface, Teams, Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. These products allow for a uniform user experience whether on campus or remote whilst providing a truly scalable solution.

Microsoft will also share how they are seeing the sector transform their data estate in order to drive insights and make informed business decisions through the use of AI, machine learning and automation.

At this session Elizabeth Melville (Surface Specialist), Ian Woolner (Modern Workplace Specialist), Mark McManus (Azure Specialist), Ignacio Melendez-Valdes (Data and AI Specialist), will be presenting Microsoft's take on the future of Hybrid Working, Data and Artificial Intelligence and their impact on higher education.

Date and time: Tuesday 30 November 2021, 13:00-14:00

Presenters: Elizabeth Melville, Ian Woolner, Mark McManus and Ignacio Melendez-Valdes

Link to Session: On the day please join the meeting on MS Teams

 

Digital Futures at Oxford: Future Direction of Research according to Jisc

Jisc is the UK higher, further education and skills sectors’ not-for-profit organisation for digital services and solutions. Jisc champions the importance and potential of digital technologies for UK education and research and do three main things:

  1. Operate shared digital infrastructure and services
  2. Negotiate sector-wide deals with IT vendors and commercial publishers
  3. Provide trusted advice and practical assistance for universities, colleges and learning providers

At this session, Dr Victoria Moody, Jisc Director of Research and Innovation Sector Strategy and Co-Investigator and Deputy Director at UK Data Service, will be talking about Jisc’s perspective on the future direction of research at higher education institutions in the UK.

Date and time: Thursday 2 December 2021, 13:00-14:00

Presenter: Victoria Moody, Director of Research and Innovation Sector Strategy, Jisc and Co-Investigator and Deputy Director, UK Data Service

Link to Session: On the day please join the meeting on MS Teams

 

More sessions are being planned for Hilary term, including the future of education, student lifecycle/mixed reality, cybersecurity and automation.

If you require any further information on any of the sessions, please contact innovation@it.ox.ac.uk