About OpenBright

OpenBright was set up in 2020. We award grants to help women develop university-level research projects in computing and tech-related subjects. These grants are aimed at students studying for degrees or postgraduate qualifications in areas such as software engineering, data science, digital media, artificial intelligence and robotics.

In the short term, we want our funding to support women to explore new ideas and innovative research. Longer term, we hope this support will have an impact on gender imbalance in computing careers, inspiring more women leaders of the future.

We offer OpenBright Awards to women currently resident in the UK and studying, or planning to study, at one of our partner universities.

Meet the trustees

Elizabeth

Trustee

Elizabeth chairs our board of trustees. After gaining an MSc in Computer Science, Elizabeth worked in software development for many years. Her own educational and career experiences as a woman in the computing industry has powered the vision and ethos of OpenBright. She is passionate about positive change and is really excited to explore how OpenBright can support innovative, disruptive, bright ideas and help to open up the world of computing to new women leaders of the future.

Geraldine

Treasurer

Geraldine is Open Bright’s treasurer. Geraldine gained an MSc in Parallel Computing and then worked in the software industry gaining wide experience. Now running her own business, Geraldine is an ardent supporter of the growing role of women in the computing industry; she is eager to promote novel and imaginative development and to open gateways for women to take their place in all industries.

Andy

Trustee

Andy graduated from university in 1985 with a degree in biochemistry and a masters in computer studies. For the last thirty years, he has worked in the information technology world, across a wide domain which encompasses industrial control, automation and energy management systems. His wide range of roles include leadership positions in technology, innovation and business strategy, and he is currently advising global technology companies on energy management solutions for their data centres.

Find out how to apply

Find out about our application process and read about what we expect from you.