An academic in the University’s School of Social Sciences has been recognised as one of the nation’s leading female data science professionals, after being named as one of Women in Data UK’s ‘20 in 20’.

Jackie Carter, Professor of Statistical Literacy, has been acknowledged for her technical knowledge and experience, and her commitment to encouraging more diverse representation in the data industry.

Women in Data UK is a movement for change in the realm of data science and analytics. They provide a platform for female and gender diverse data professionals to share technical knowledge and experiences. There are now 80 committed advocates working with WiD to highlight the fantastic opportunities for women and girls in STEM careers.

Whilst at Manchester, Jackie has helped secure £1.3m of funding, to develop a living-wage paid work-placement programme through the Q-Step Centre. She is Co-Director of the centre, which was developed as a strategic response to the shortage of quantitatively-skilled social science graduates. Jackie’s recently published book Work Placements, Internships & Applied Social Research draws on her seven years’ experience of setting up and running this paid internship programme.

She is also on the board of the Urban Big Data Centre, providing advice on the role of social science in understanding how big data can be used to improve lives, and advising on how future data scientists can be trained to develop the necessary skills to equip them in these emerging careers.

“I’m absolutely delighted to win this award, but I think it reflects the wonderful young women I work with more than anything, and how together we are challenging traditional pipelines into data careers,” said Jackie. “Women can be data analysts and data scientists, and the award recognises the work I am doing in trying to address that – almost 70% of my interns are female.”