About the series
The Beyond Academia: AI & Data Science Applications seminar series at the University of Cambridge explores the transformative role of data and artificial intelligence in the world. Designed for postgraduate researchers, early-career academics, and students, the series bridges the gap between high-level research and real-world deployment. Through invited talks from Leaders and Professionals, the series delivers insights into non-academic career pathways and examines the technical, architectural, and operational challenges and opportunities of implementing AI innovation in organisations. The seminars are highly engaging sessions with plenty of opportunity for Q&A with the speaker.
Current Programme
Ryan Moore, Director of Data, The Guardian - Tuesday 5th May 2026
Nana Akande, Director of Data Products and Services, Royal Mail Group - Thursday 14th May 2026
Lauren Sager Weinstein, Chief Data Officer, Transport for London - Monday 8th June 2026
Mehmet Kerim Yucel, AI Research Lead, Canva - Monday 14th September 2026
Margi Sheth, Head AI Governance & Enablement, Novo Nordisk - Monday 28th September 2026
Mousami Mishra, AI/ML Lead, Apple - Tuesday 6th October 2026
Vera Hazelwood, Director: Data Science Collaborative Programmes, AstraZeneca - Monday 12th October 2026
Christina Matteotti, Head of Universities, EMEA Partnerships, Google - Thursday 22nd October 2026
Kate Sargent, Chief Data Officer, Financial Times - Tuesday 27 October 2026
Nickolay Burlutskiy, Head of Applied AI, BBC - Tuesday 10th November 2026
Partner with us
We invite organisations and professionals to partner with us by contributing to this seminar series and sharing their organisation’s data science and AI challenges and opportunities, and career journeys with the next generation of Cambridge scholars.
Connect & Contribute
About the Series
Each seminar typically includes:
A 45–60 minute talk from an invited speaker
An interactive Q&A session with attendees
Talks focus on practical data science and AI insights and real-world experiences.
Suggested Topics
- Challenges and opportunities of data science and AI innovation in organisations
- Explore the transformative role of data and artificial intelligence and its implementation
- Advice for researchers considering careers beyond academia
- Skills and competencies valued in industry and organisations
Get Involved
If you are interested in sponsoring or speaking in the Beyond Academia seminar series, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Together, we can help equip the next generation of researchers with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to thrive beyond academia.
Contact us to discuss participation, scheduling, or partnership opportunities.
Cambridge Careers Service
Did you know that as a researcher at Cambridge, you have access to tailored careers guidance and support? Please explore the University's offerings for PhD students and postdocs. You might be interested in other careers events exploring careers beyond academia. See what's happening this summer at the Cambridge Careers Service seminars "I'm a Researcher, What Next?".