Maggie Philbin has worked in radio and television for 30 years on a wide range of science, medical and technology programmes from Tomorrow’s World to Bang Goes The Theory. A popular keynote speaker and award host, she works consistently to improve diversity in contemporary industry, emphasising social and ethnic diversity are as important as gender. In June 2016 she was voted most influential woman in UK IT by Computer Weekly and also named 2016 Digital Leader of the Year.

Co-founded by Maggie in 2008, TeenTech helps young people, their parents and teachers understand the opportunities and skills needed by contemporary industry. The initiative provides a vibrant eco-system for schools and businesses, forging powerful connections and opening opportunities for young people across the UK and Europe. Every year the initiative supports over five thousand young people, changing perceptions and giving them access to tomorrow’s world.

In 2013 Maggie was asked by the Labour Party to write a report on Digital Skills and agreed to do it for the same reason she founded TeenTech –  out of frustration that so many young people were missing out on the opportunities available to them in an ever-expanding digital world, in spite of being the most tech-savvy generation we’ve ever had. However, in order to assemble the best people onto the UK Digital Skills Taskforce and prevent any bias in the recommendations, this was  undertaken as an independent review with no input from any political party.

Awards and Honours

• 2016 –  Digital Leader of the Year – Digital Leaders 100
• 2016 –  Most influential Woman in UK IT – Computer Weekly
• 2016 –  Named as one of Top 50 Most Inspiring Women in European Tech
• 2016 – Honorary Doctorate – Technology – University of Huddersfield
• 2015 – Honorary Doctorate, Science – University of Bath
• 2014 –  Fellow of Queen Mary’s College, University of London
• 2014 – One of 30 women featured by BCS for their Women in IT Campaign
• 2013 –  Best Promotion of Engineering Design – Institute of Engineering Designers
• 2012 – Outstanding Achievement in Communication and Outreach – WISE (Women in Science and Engineering)
• 2012-  Honorary Doctorate, Technology – De Montfort University