Compass Annual Conference

We are delighted to announce the Compass Conference 2025, which will be held on Tuesday, 21 October at the Bristol Avon Gorge (Hotel Du Vin) in Clifton. 

This year's theme is  ‘Data Science for Social Good’. Our conference will explore the influence of data science and computational statistics on the modern world in the broadest sense, including artificial intelligence (AI).

In particular, we would like to take this opportunity to discuss influences on research, innovation, cultural change, personal practice and policy. Our keynote and panel (profiles below) will discuss the theme in context: how social good is considered in their work and the projects that they choose to take forward. 

Image of Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol with hot air balloons flying overhead

We are looking forward to hearing from our speakers and welcoming back some of our Compass alumni. Please do respond to your invitation, if you have been emailed one, or express your interest in attending the Conference by completing this online form.

Speakers

Image of Kevin Parry from the ICO

Kevin Parry, Director of Data
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

Kevin leads the delivery of the ICO’s Enterprise Data Strategy - as well as its data and analytics function, which is focused on making the ICO an exemplar of responsible innovation using data and analytics. He was previously Chief Data Officer at Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. Kevin is also Chair of the Data Science Academy Advisory Board at Cardiff University, and holds an MSc Operational Research, Applied Statistics and Risk.

Kiran-Dhanjal-Adams profile photo

Kiran Dhanjal-Adams, Kew Future Leader Fellow
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Kiran is a computational ecologist, and uses a suite of statistical and deep learning tools to answer questions around monitoring, mapping and conserving biodiversity. She has a PhD from the University of Queensland and has previously worked at the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Swiss Ornithological Institute and the Max Planck Institute, before starting her current role at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Marc Sarazin photo

Marc Sarazin, Senior Data Scientist
Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Marc modernises statistical production systems that produce the nation’s most high-profile statistics through the use of Generative AI and software engineering best practices. He previously undertook research at the Universities of Edinburgh and Louvain (UCLouvain, Belgium), where he specialised in network science applications in educational settings. He holds a DPhil (PhD) from the University of Oxford.

Alex Bowring photo

Alex Bowring, Senior Mathematical Consultant
Smith Institute

Alex specialises in statistical modelling, machine learning, and optimisation - and has worked on a range of high-impact technical projects with a focus the energy sector, helping to drive a brighter tomorrow for the economy, society and the environment. He previously completed an Early Career Research Fellowship in Neuroimaging Statistics at the University of Oxford, where he also obtained a DPhil in Population Health. 

Alice Kendal photo

Alice Kendal, Senior Data Scientist
Trilateral Research

Alice specialises in responsible AI, developing sociotechnical AI and machine learning approaches to address challenges such as organised crime, child exploitation, human trafficking and air pollution, working closely with experts in ethics, linguistics and societal issues. She holds an MSc in Mathematical Modelling (Climate Science) and brings previous experience from both industry and research.

Agenda

This draft agenda will be updated as additional content is confirmed:  

09:30

Registration and Welcome refreshments  

10:00 

Introduction from the Compass CDT Director

10:15 

Compass student research talks  

11:15 

Break and refreshments 

11:30 

Compass student lightning talks 

12:30 

Lunch and poster session 

14:00 

Panel presentations and discussion

15:30 

Break and refreshments

16:00 

Keynote speaker

17:00 

Closing remarks 

Our students and staff are looking forward to spending another exciting Conference with partners, supporters and alumni. We are also interested in hearing about some of the things that might interest you – so please do get in touch if you have thoughts or ideas that might help us to refine the theme, or to shape the day.  

Past conferences

Read more about previous Compass Conferences by following the links below: