School of Computing, Engineering and Intelligent Systems

01/09/2026

✨ The ISRC CN³ Summer School 2026 was a huge success! ✨

From 12-19 August, the Intelligent Systems Research Centre at Ulster University welcomed 218 participants from 145 institutions across 40 countries for a week of learning, collaboration and discovery in Computational Neuroscience, Neurotechnology and Neuro-inspired AI.

Highlights included inspiring keynote lectures from Prof. Tony Prescott, Prof. Dara M Cannon and Prof. Elisa Donati, a hands-on Neurotech Hackathon powered by real EEG/BCI technology and an outstanding 95.1% participant satisfaction rate. 🎉

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. A huge thank you to Callosum, AI in the Biosciences (AIBIO-UK), NeuroCONCISE LTD., IEEE Systems IEEE SMC Systems, Man and Cybernetic (UK & Ireland Chapter), Bitbrain and Derry City & Strabane District Council for supporting the next generation of neuroscience and AI researchers. 🙏

Thank you also to our speakers, organisers, mentors and participants for making CN³ 2026 such an inspiring and memorable event. A special thank you to Dr Saugat Bhattacharyya for leading the organisation of this programme and helping to make it such a success.

We're already looking forward to building on this momentum for future editions! 🚀

10/08/2026

✨ Use maths. Build with code. Solve real problems. ✨

The BSc (Hons) Computing with Applied Mathematics combines practical computing with the mathematical foundations used in artificial intelligence, data science, financial technology and mathematical modelling.

Clearing places are available for September 2026 at Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry campus.

UCAS code: G4X4

Find out more:

https://www.ulster.ac.uk/courses/202627/computing-with-applied-mathematics-42306

07/07/2026

⭐ 2026 Digital Technologies & AI Summer School ⭐

As our 2026 Digital Technologies & AI Summer School drew to a close, we reflected on four remarkable days in which our enthusiastic 14-17 year old participants immersed themselves in exploring 🤖 Robotics 🌻Engineering - The Beauty of Nature 🐟 3D Printing🧠 Artificial Intelligence 🔐 Cybersecurity 🕶️ Virtual & Augmented Reality and⚡High‑Performance Computing.

Through hands‑on teamwork, immersive learning, an insightful tour of SCANiHub along with a fantastic visit to Seagate Technology - participants came away with real-world experience that ignited both curiosity and confidence.

A huge thank‑you to everyone who supported the Summer School and a special thanks to Rosaleen Hegarty for organising the programme. We are also grateful to Seagate Technology for sponsoring the event, including an eye‑opening visit to their manufacturing site.

The future tech leaders are already shining.

01/07/2026

✨2026 Digital Technologies & AI Seagate-Sponsored Summer School

A fantastic start to our 2026 Digital Technologies & AI Seagate-Sponsored Summer School! 💻🤖

Day 1 saw our participants dive into the exciting world of digital technologies and AI through engaging hands-on activities, while getting to know one another and beginning an inspiring week of learning and discovery.

There's plenty more to come over the next few days and we can't wait to see what our participants achieve!

A big thank you to everyone involved in making this such a success and to Rosaleen Hegarty for coordinating and supporting the programme. 🙌

Here's to an exciting week ahead! 🚀

23/06/2026

✨ CEBE 2025/2026 Placement in Innovation Awards ✨

🏆 Congratulations to our SCEIS nominated students at this year’s CEBE Innovation in Placements Awards!

These awards recognise the outstanding impact students make during their placement year, from driving innovation and improving processes to introducing cutting-edge technologies within organisations. 💡🚀

A huge congratulations to:

👏 Tara Coll – BEng (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering (firmus energy)

👏 Ethan McManus – BSc (Hons) Computer Science (NIE Networks)

👏 Niall Leer – BEng (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering (Caterpillar Inc.)

👏 Clare Hamilton (in absentia) – BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Enterprise Placement Year) (The Influencer Hub) (represented on the day by Employability & Enterprise Consultant, Jackie Smyth)

We would also like to congratulate all students who were nominated for an award. Being recognised is a fantastic achievement and reflects the valuable contributions made during placement. ⭐

Well done to all our winners and nominees on this outstanding success! 🎉

📢 Are you a business owner looking to power your organisation with student talent?

There’s still time to recruit a placement student for September 2026 and benefit from fresh ideas, new perspectives and emerging skills.

🔗 Find out more at: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/business/recruit-our-talent or email: Michelle Stewart at [email protected].

18/06/2026

✨ MSc Smart Manufacturing Systems - Project Achievement ✨

We are pleased to share that one of our MSc Smart Manufacturing Systems projects has been developed into a published journal paper, highlighting the impact and real-world relevance of student-led research in advanced manufacturing.

Seeing student work progress to publication is a powerful testament to both the excellence of our students and the vibrant, research-led teaching environment within SCEIS, where innovation, ambition and academic support come together to drive impactful outcomes.

📄 Read the published paper: MDPI paper -
https://www.mdpi.com/2504-4494/10/6/193

Our MSc Smart Manufacturing Systems programme is designed to equip graduates with the skills to innovate in modern manufacturing environments and contribute to the future of Industry 4.0.

For further information on this course, please contact the Course Director: - Dr Cormac McGarrigle by emailing: [email protected].

🎓 Applications are now open for the 2026/27 intake:

htt c.uk/courses/202627/smart-manufacturing-systems-40550

Providing professionals with expert, multi-discipline knowledge in the principles and application of Smart Manufacturing.

12/06/2026

🚀 Digital Discovery Day Part 2: Inspiring Young Minds through Blockchain, Digital Trust and Emerging Technologies

We were delighted to deliver Digital Discovery Day Part 2 at Ulster University’s Belfast campus, continuing our mission to inspire young learners to explore the technologies shaping the future of computing, law, medicine, governance, public services and industry.

The event welcomed 52 Year 11 pupils, including 30 students from All Saints College, Beechmount Avenue campus and 22 pupils from St Genevieve’s School.

Led by Dr Vimal Dwivedi, PhD (SCEIS), John Keers BL (Centre for Legal Technology, School of Law), and Dr Priyank Shukla (School of Medicine), the session explored the real-world impact of blockchain, smart contracts, cryptocurrency and digital trust.

Pupils engaged with international academic and industry experts, including Dr Alex Norta (Dymaxion OU, Estonia), Dr Sowelu Avanzo (University of Torino), and Dr Syed Attique Shah (Birmingham City University), gaining insights into how emerging technologies are transforming finance, healthcare, legal systems, cybersecurity, governance, digital identity and public services.

💡 It was inspiring to see such enthusiasm, curiosity, and thoughtful engagement as students explored both the opportunities and ethical challenges of digital innovation.

👏 Thank you to All Saints College, St Genevieve’s School and Darryl McCullagh from Ulster University’s Widening Access team for their support.

This initiative is proudly supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation Trust, helping to empower young people to think critically, creatively and responsibly about the digital future.

11/06/2026

✨ 5th Amelia Earhart STEM Challenge - Sponsored by Kainos ✨

We were delighted to host the 5th Amelia Earhart STEM Challenge, welcoming 17 secondary schools to Ulster University’s Derry~Londonderry campus in partnership with St Mary’s College and the Royal Academy of Engineering.

This inspiring event challenged students to demonstrate their creativity, teamwork, technical knowledge and problem-solving skills while celebrating Amelia Earhart’s pioneering legacy in aviation. With an unforgettable helicopter flight over the North West awarded to the winning team, the competition provided both excitement and opportunity for all involved.

A sincere thank you to Richard Ward, Ryan Harkin, Siobhan Flynn, Clare Doherty and the team at St Mary’s College, whose dedication and collaboration continue to make this event such a success.

We are also grateful to Kainos for kindly sponsoring the challenge and to Tania Carlisle, Corporate Engagement Partner in our Development & Alumni Relations Office (DARO), who highlighted: “Strong partnerships between universities and businesses are vital in driving innovation, nurturing future talent and ensuring our graduates are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. We are grateful to our strategic partner Kainos for their support for the Amelia Earhart STEM Challenge Day, inspiring the next generation to explore opportunities in computing, engineering, and intelligent systems.”

Congratulations to all the students who took part and showcased the incredible STEM talent across our region. 🚁✨



University Alumni and Supporters

08/06/2026

✨ GenAIEdu 2026 - 18-19 June 2026, Ulster University, Belfast Campus ✨

Join us at GenAIEdu 2026, taking place 18–19 June at Ulster University's Belfast campus. Hear from leading educators, researchers, and industry experts discussing AI literacy, assessment integrity, classroom practice, personalised learning, and the future of education.

20+ talks over 2 days exploring the future of Generative and Agentic AI in Education.

Featuring keynote speakers, practitioner showcases, panel discussions, and insights into tools including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, and Agentic AI.

📅 18–19 June 2026

🎓 Theme: Generative and Agentic AI in Education: Classroom Practice, Assessment Integrity and the Future of Learning

🔗 Conference website:

https://lnkd.in/eEtdsqQk

🎟️ Registration:

https://store.ulster.ac.uk/product-catalogue/faculty-of-computing-engineering/school-of-computing-and-intelligent-systems/genaiedu-2026-june-conference-registration

Please note: Tickets are sold per conference day attendance. A separate paid registration is required for each day attended.

📧 Registration queries: [email protected] (Subject: GenAIEdu Registration Query)

Places are limited - register now.

04/06/2026

🎓 PhD Opportunity: AI & Wearable Technology for Parkinson’s Disease (PD-LIFE Project)

Interested in using AI and wearable technology to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease?

Ulster University is seeking a PhD researcher to join the pioneering all-island PD-LIFE collaborative programme, dedicated to advancing the understanding, monitoring, and management of Parkinson’s disease.

This fully funded 3-year PhD project will focus on developing AI-powered wearable technologies that can monitor, classify, and predict Parkinson’s symptoms using multimodal sensor data. Working within a multidisciplinary team across multiple universities, you’ll gain valuable experience in artificial intelligence, digital health, and participatory research while contributing to innovative, person-centred healthcare solutions.

✅ Fully funded studentship (£26,585 stipend + tuition fees + research support)
✅ Cutting-edge research in AI, wearable technology, and healthcare
✅ Collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment
✅ Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on future Parkinson’s care

If you have an interest in AI, wearable technologies, and healthcare innovation, we encourage you to apply.

Further details are available at: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/doctoralcollege/find-a-phd/11b-intelligent-systems/1843524

Implementing AI‑Enabled Wearable Technologies for Symptom Prediction in Parkinson’s Disease: A PD‑LIFE Project