Staff from across the department celebrated Ada Lovelace Day with cake, a women in science themed quiz and lots of discussion.
Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) was an English mathematician and writer, chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine. She was the first to recognise that the machine had applications beyond pure calculation, and published the first algorithm intended to be carried out by such a machine. As a result, she is regarded as the first to recognise the full potential of a "computing machine" and the first computer programmer.
Ada Lovelace Day (ALD) is an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). 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.
To find out more about Ada Lovelace Day itself, please visit findingada.com or follow @findingada on Twitter.