Smith Institute’s Dr Heather Tewkesbury to become...
We are absolutely delighted to announce that we have been shortlisted for six awards at the DataIQ Awards. Two of the awards recognise our company culture, and commitment to excellence in data science and artificial intelligence. The four others celebrate how we are delivering on our mission to help customers meet objectives whilst achieving a positive impact on society, the economy, and the environment.
Recognising our data science and AI expertise and culture
Best Data and Analytics Team (Enabler)
Best Place to Work in Data (Enabler)
Recognising impact delivered together with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
- Most Innovative Use of AI (Enabler)
- Data-Enabling Solution of the Year (Enabler)
- Breakthrough with Data or AI (Enabler)
- Best Use of AI for the Public Good Award
Smith Institute: Best Place to Work in Data
The nominations for the Best Place to Work and Best Data and Analytics Teams – Energy Team are a testament to the people, skills and culture that exist within Smith Institute. We believe that this demonstrates the truly exceptional results that occur when expert teams have a supportive culture and productive environment.
This culture is something about which we are particularly proud. It is rooted in fostering a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive environment that encourages people to achieve their potential and deliver ground-breaking results for our clients.
We were founded on the belief that successfully harnessing mathematical ways of thinking creates innovative and effective solutions to the most pressing challenges in business and society. Our commitment to this approach has never wavered.
Rachael Warrington, Head of Staff Flourishing commented.
‘We are proud to be recognised for creating a place where our team can grow, innovate, and be curious. Our culture provides a platform where people can use their skills in exciting, evolving and impactful ways to make a real difference. To me, that is the definition of flourishing and what makes Smith Institute such a special place to be.’
Dr Ruth Voisey, Chief Executive Officer added,
‘Our business thrives on the collective brilliance and dedication of our diverse team. Our recruitment isn't just about filling positions, but about inviting individuals to join a community where they can develop and contribute meaningfully. By investing in the growth and development of our team, we expand our capacity and capabilities, enabling us to serve a broader audience and make a more significant impact on the world around us.’
With our Partner SSEN: Best Use of AI for the Public Good
We are incredibly proud that our work with SSEN has been recognised this year with four award nominations: Best Use of AI for the Public Good Awards, Most Innovative Use of AI (Enabler), Data-Enabling Solution of the Year (Enabler), and Breakthrough with Data or AI (Enabler).
The four nominations celebrate Smith Institute’s ground-breaking work with SSEN on the Vulnerability Future Energy Scenarios (VFES) project. This initiative, centred on energy vulnerability, uses explainable AI to identify and support vulnerable energy customers, ensuring no one is disadvantaged in the transition to a sustainable energy future.
About the SSEN Vulnerability Project
In collaboration with SSEN, Imperial College London, and National Energy Action, Smith Institute developed the Vulnerability Future Energy Scenario (VFES). This pioneering model helps SSEN understand resilience factors in communities, pinpoint prevalent vulnerability and fuel poverty, and anticipate future changes.
Using advanced AI techniques, the project identified the drivers of energy vulnerability across the UK. The model provided interpretable findings, crucial for decision-making, transforming SSEN's infrastructure planning to support inclusive and just energy transitions.
SSEN's Challenge
The energy sector is undergoing enormous change driven by the rise of renewable generation, the move towards a net zero-carbon grid and volatile energy prices. As network operators make significant investments to upgrade their grids to support low carbon technologies, a vital question has arisen: how can we design a fair and just transition, making sure vulnerable customers aren’t disadvantaged or left behind?
In this groundbreaking project, we’ve used predictions, data, and expert analysis to learn so much more about how, where and when our customers might find themselves in more vulnerable situations.
This level of understanding is already being put in place to plan our network investment strategies, not just in regions which will see a high uptake in low carbon technologies, but also communities where customers rely on energy more than most; and who may need more support with using low carbon solutions.
This level of understanding is already being put in place to plan our network investment strategies, not just in regions which will see a high uptake in low carbon technologies, but also communities where customers rely on energy more than most; and who may need more support with using low carbon solutions.
SSEN, responsible for the electricity distribution infrastructure for 3.9 million customers, aimed to integrate consumer vulnerability considerations into their planning. The project addressed the diverse needs of SSEN’s customers, ensuring that varying factors such as age, health, and social circumstances were considered in predicting and mitigating vulnerability.
Breaking Through with Data
Our solution utilised explainable AI to uncover complex relationships within the data. By analysing demographic features and using advanced clustering techniques, the model offered detailed insights into vulnerability drivers, giving SSEN the potential ability to make informed, targeted strategic investments and interventions.
VFES: Innovative use of AI
The project has had a significant impact on SSEN’s strategic planning, providing a framework for future energy scenarios that prioritise social equity. This initiative could influence decision-making across all distribution network operators (DNOs) in the UK.
Smith Institute: Best Data and Analytics Team – Energy
Given the impact that projects like VFES can have, it’s no surprise that our Energy team has also been nominated for Best Data and Analytics team this year. Our team of mathematicians, data science and AI experts have a long track record of supporting progress towards a secure, sustainable energy system.
We are proud to help clients like SSEN, the GB Electricity System Operator and EDF to solve complex challenges as the sector continues to evolve and transitions to a low carbon future.
About the DataIQ Awards
The prestigious DataIQ Awards recognise the best individuals, teams, and organisations in the data and analytics industry. They celebrate excellence and innovation, highlighting those who have made significant contributions to advancing data-driven practices.
The award ceremony takes place on 26th September at the Roundhouse in London, where the panel of judges will be revealing the winners.
The prestigious DataIQ Awards recognise the best individuals, teams, and organisations in the data and analytics industry. They celebrate excellence and innovation, highlighting those who have made significant contributions to advancing data-driven practices.
The award ceremony takes place on 26th September at the Roundhouse in London, where the panel of judges will be revealing the winners.
