Ada Lovelace Day – Wikipedia edit-a-thon
Event will improve the quality of coverage of female scientists
Birkbeck is celebrating Ada Lovelace Day (ALD) today with a Wikipedia edit-a-thon. The event will celebrate Ada Lovelace, the founder of analytical computing, and improve the quality of Wikipedia’s coverage of female scientists, while helping people learn editing skills. ALD is an international day to celebrate the achievements of women in science. It aims to increase the profile of women in STEM and, in doing so, create new role models who will encourage more girls into STEM careers and support women already working in STEM.
Dr Belinda Brooks-Gordon, Assistant Dean for Equalitites in Birkbeck’s School of Science, said: “Our event aims to sharpen up Wikipedia coverage of individuals, events and resources related to women in science, whether that is writing an article or simply checking that articles have accurate references. We are addressing ‘Wikipedia’s woman problem’ while supporting Birkbeck’s aim of advancing the careers of women in academia.”
Wikipedia sites are viewed 370 million times a month, and edit-a-thons can help develop the skills that Birkbeck courses impart to students: critical thinking and reasoning, and the ability to convey information clearly – with references.
The event is open to all students and staff at Birkbeck. It has been organised by the College Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team.It will take place from 2pm-5pm in room 151, Malet Street on 11 October.