Jill Robinson (BCU) Beatfreeks, Big Data and me: reflections so far

 In this talk I begin with a consideration of some of the challenges presented by the broad scope of my research topic: the contribution of Big Data and Data Visualization to young people’s social and cultural inequalities. I go on to reflect on undertaking a collaborative PhD with my creative industries partner, Beatfreeks Collective. Finally, I propose to share   some of the themes which have emerged from the first few months of our working together and their implications for  my research going forward.

Jill Robinson MA (Oxon), FRSA

I spent the first part of my working life as a teacher of History and Government and Politics, a singer, a radio interviewer/researcher and arts administrator.  I then worked for Birmingham City Council for twenty years working mainly on European funding, policy analysis and development and transnational networks and projects.  I also spent time as an adviser on EU & Lottery Arts funding and cultural strategy. Since retiring, I have worked as a freelance consultant on social affairs and cultural and creative industries. In 2012 I was invited to become a Visiting Fellow at Aston University where I co-authored (and subsequently managed) a successful bid for a 3 year transnational EU FP7 funded project CITISPYCE investigating young people’s innovative practices to combat their inequalities. I am a Trustee of Ex Cathedra and also of the Philip Bates Trust and am currently an M3C Doctoral student at BCU.