Professor Sue Black OBE


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Professor Sue Black OBE is a pioneering computer scientist, social entrepreneur, government advisor and internationally acclaimed public speaker. With over 25 years of experience at the forefront of technology and social change, Sue is known for making her specialist complex topics including bias in AI, digital inclusion, culture change, community transformation and ethical innovation not only accessible, but deeply human and powerfully engaging.

Awarded an OBE for services to technology in 2016 and named one of Forbes’ Top 50 Women in Tech, Sue has built her career on using technology as a tool for empowerment. She is a professor of computer science at Durham University and the founder of TechUPWomen, an award-winning initiative that retrains women from underserved communities into technology careers, with over 500 graduates and counting.

Sue’s extraordinary personal journey, from young single mum living in poverty to one of the UK’s most respected tech leaders, brings unparalleled authenticity and inspiration to her talks. Whether keynoting for global corporates, national governments, or international conferences, she shares her story with disarming honesty, humour and wisdom, alongside actionable insights on topics such as:

  • Responsible AI and the risks of bias
  • Digital inclusion and equitable tech access
  • Culture change in organisations and communities
  • Women in tech and inclusive innovation
  • The future of digital skills and tech-for-good

Sue led the high-profile campaign to save Bletchley Park, home of the WWII codebreakers, using the power of social media to secure its funding and preservation. She has advised the UK government on digital skills and inclusion, is a sought-after voice on AI ethics and culture change, and is regularly featured in the media as a thought leader and changemaker.

She is a dynamic, funny, and deeply moving speaker who always leaves audiences thinking differently — about tech, society, and themselves.

Testimonials

Sir Anthony Finkelstein, President, City University London

Sue is a highly dynamic and creative academic with a broad vision for the subject of software engineering. I have been most impressed with both her organisational ability and her grasp of the key research issues in our subject. I have sought advice from Sue on a range of academic management issues and have gained substantially from her insights and understanding of the challenges of leadership.

 

Baroness Rennie Fritchie, House of Lords, UK

Dr Sue Black is always a riveting speaker, with informative content and a personal warmth which makes her a pleasure to listen to. She has a clarity and an ability to get to the heart of something and in simple language which makes her a rare person.

 

" We were thrilled and honoured to have Professor Sue Black present her truly inspirational talk “If I can do it, so can you” tonight as part of ILM’s 2020 Speaker Series. So many women and men were touched by Sues exceptional story. Positive feedback was overflowing, the best quote being “I can sleep better tonight from hearing Sue speak” - from a recent female graduate. Thanks so much Sue for touching the lives of many people. Keep being the authentic you as you continue to shine a light in this world." - Amy Backwell. Emerging Talent Specialist at Industrial Light & Magic January 16, 2020.

 

“If I can do it, so can you!” This was the opening line of Prof. Sue Black’s speech at the second annual Girls in Tech Catalyst Conference in London on 4th September. She took us along on her incredible journey from a fascination with technology to saving Bletchley Park, becoming a catalyst for change for equal rights, paying it forward through #Techmums, and inspiring the next generation of computer scientists as a professor at Durham University. Sue had a profound impact on all of us through her contagious passion, optimism, and “prescription for success.” Professor Black is not only an extraordinary academic, technology evangelist, and social entrepreneur, but she is also a warm, open, and friendly human being who inspired and motivated our attendees not only on stage, but also off-stage--in one-on-one conversations and through personal advice. Thank you, Professor Black, on behalf of our entire staff and attendees. We look forward to working with you again in the future!" - Adriana Gascoigne, Founder and CEO at Girls in Tech, Inc. November 7, 2019.