What we’re about
This is a group for anyone interested in Data Science, Big Data, Analytics and Technology trends. We started this group to build a community to discuss general insights into the market and share personal experiences of working and operating in this area. We hope to cover skills shortages, technological advancements and organisational implications in Data Science and Technology during our series of meetups. All skill levels are welcome.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Making AI Real: From Building Your Own Tools to Keeping Models in CheckBJSS, Glasgow
Making AI Real: From Building Your Own Tools to Keeping Models in Check
Can you please register here -
AI moves fast. New frameworks and flashy models appear every week, but jumping on every trend won’t help you build products that last. At this event, we’re bringing two voices with very different perspectives - but the same mission: making AI practical, reliable, and trusted.
Shannon McKechnie, Managing Director at MBN will be the chair for the evening.
Talk 1
Richard Bownes, Head of AI Solutions @ vector8
In a World of Platforms, Bring Your Own Tooling: Eating Your Own (AI) DogfoodRichard (Head of AI Solutions at Vector8) shares why his team ditched the hype cycle and built their own AI stack. He’ll show how knowing your tools inside out lets you move faster, build stronger, and outpace the competition.
Talk 2
Maria Kalantzak, Senior Validation Manager, AI @ Virgin MoneyValidating AI in Finance: Compliance, Trust, and What’s Next. Maria will take us inside the world of AI model validation. From fraud detection to GenAI, she’ll break down how banks make sure models stay compliant, fair, and fit for purpose - while keeping up with the latest AI trends.
Expect real stories, sharp lessons, and plenty of takeaways on how to build AI that actually works in the wild.Speakers bios.
Richard Bownes, Head of AI Solutions @ vector8
Richard is Head of AI Solutions at Vector8 where he looks after solutions architecture, delivery, internal product development and developer advocacy. From an academic background in machine learning to internet scale public sector recommendations, NLP start ups and Data and AI consultancy Richard brings interdisciplinary and industry experience to solve meaningful and challenging problems for clients of all sizes.Maria Kalantzak, Senior Validation Manager, AI @ Virgin Money
Currently leading the Model Validation of AL/GenAI and fraud models in Virgin Money. Previous I worked in the innovation team of Virgin Money and Experian as model developer leading the development of fraud models. Her work in finance comes after a switch in careers in drug discovery and genetic engineering , where she acquired key skills around data science.
