UCL Computer Science honours Rae Harbird’s legacy with inspirational Schools Outreach Day

UCL Computer Science recently commemorated the legacy of Rae Harbird, a beloved educator and member of the CS community who sadly passed away in June 2023, with a day dedicated to outreach activities for local young people.  

The event aimed to inspire the next generation of computer scientists and maintain Rae’s lifelong commitment to making computing accessible to all. 

The inaugural Rae Harbird Day saw over 140 students from six state schools visit UCL’s campuses at East, Bloomsbury, and the Institute of Education. Activities included hands-on workshops in the Innovation Lab, tours, and Q&A sessions with faculty and students about careers in computer science. 

The participating schools included: 

• London Academy of Excellence
• Sarah Bonnell School
• Plashet School 
• Mulberry School for Girls 
• Coombe Wood
• Riddlesdown Collegiate
• Oxford International College 
• The BADU project 

Elaine Pimentel, Schools Outreach Lead and Associate Professor in Programming Principles, Logic, and Verification, said:  

“Rae Harbird had a great impact on the lives of many people. She was a champion in promoting diversity, fostering education, and gender equality. As a colleague, she showed me kindness, strength, and mentoring, which helped me a great deal when taking the first steps as a Professor in a Computer Science department. It was an absolute pleasure for me to be part of this special day to celebrate Rae's legacy.” 

Rae had been a constant presence in UCL Computer Science since the early 1990s. Her contributions spanned a variety of roles, from member of the Technical Support Group to dedicated student, research assistant, and respected lecturer. 

Rae’s life-long passion for computing, coupled with her dedication to mentoring and inspiring young people, was evident through her extensive involvement with schools' outreach work. Rae was instrumental in establishing the first departmental initiatives in schools' outreach, driven by a desire to make the subject more accessible to girls, but with the general aim of making it better for everyone. 

Many thanks to Elaine Pimentel, Steve Hailes and Kiran Ahmed for organising this brilliant initiative, our Outreach Student Ambassadors and the research groups who took the time to support the department's first-ever Rae Harbird Day. The Outreach Team are already looking forward to planning next year's activities. 

Please visit our Rae Harbird Day page for further events and updates.  

Rae Harbird Award 

The UCL Centre of Engineering Education and Faculty of Engineering Sciences have established the Rae Harbird Award to recognise and celebrate individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and education. This award honours Rae Harbird's legacy and contributions to education, collegiality, and outreach activities. 

For more details, please visit Rae Harbird Award.