# Sue Black

> British computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q11470](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11470)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sue_Black_(computer_scientist))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sue-black-q11470

## Summary
Sue Black is a British computer scientist and advocate for women in technology, best known for her work in software engineering and her efforts to promote diversity in STEM fields. She is a prominent academic, author, and public speaker who has received numerous awards for her contributions to computer science and social impact.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1962, Fareham, United Kingdom
- **Nationality**: British
- **Education**:
  - PhD in Computer Science, University College London (thesis: *Computation of ripple effect measures for software*)
  - London South Bank University
  - Southwark College
- **Known for**: Advocacy for women in technology, software engineering research, and digital inclusion
- **Employer(s)**:
  - Durham University (since 2018)
  - University College London
  - London South Bank University
- **Field(s)**: Computer science, software engineering, digital advocacy

## Contributions
Sue Black has made significant contributions to computer science and digital inclusion. Her doctoral research focused on software ripple effect measures, providing insights into software maintenance and evolution. She is also the founder of #techmums, a social enterprise that empowers mothers and their families through technology education. Black has authored and co-authored numerous academic papers and books, including *Saving Bletchley Park*, which highlights her role in preserving the historic site. Her advocacy work has been instrumental in increasing the representation of women in technology, earning her recognition from organizations like the Anita Borg Institute and the Royal Society of Arts.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Sue Black known for?
A: Sue Black is known for her work in computer science, particularly in software engineering, and her advocacy for women in technology. She is also recognized for her efforts in preserving Bletchley Park and founding #techmums.

### Q: Where did Sue Black study?
A: Sue Black studied at Southwark College, London South Bank University, and University College London, where she earned her PhD.

### Q: What awards has Sue Black received?
A: Sue Black has received several awards, including the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), the Anita Borg Institute Women of Vision Awards, and fellowships from the Royal Society of Arts and the British Computer Society.

### Q: What is #techmums?
A: #techmums is a social enterprise founded by Sue Black that provides technology education and support to mothers and their families, aiming to improve digital literacy and employment opportunities.

### Q: What is Sue Black's role at Durham University?
A: Sue Black has been affiliated with Durham University since 2018, contributing to research and teaching in computer science.

## Why They Matter
Sue Black's work has had a profound impact on the field of computer science and the broader technology community. Her research in software engineering has advanced our understanding of software maintenance, while her advocacy for women in technology has inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in STEM. Through initiatives like #techmums, she has empowered marginalized groups with digital skills, fostering greater inclusion in the tech industry. Her efforts to preserve Bletchley Park have also ensured that the legacy of early computing pioneers is not forgotten. Without her contributions, the technology sector would be less diverse and less accessible to underrepresented groups.

## Notable For
- Founder of #techmums, a social enterprise promoting digital literacy for mothers
- Author of *Saving Bletchley Park*, a book about preserving the historic computing site
- Recipient of the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to technology
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the British Computer Society
- Advocate for women in technology and digital inclusion

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Sue Black was born in 1962 in Fareham, United Kingdom. She pursued her education at Southwark College, London South Bank University, and University College London, where she earned her PhD in Computer Science. Her doctoral thesis, *Computation of ripple effect measures for software*, focused on software maintenance and evolution.

### Career and Research
Black has held academic positions at several prestigious institutions, including University College London, London South Bank University, and Durham University. Her research in software engineering has contributed to the understanding of software ripple effects, which are crucial for maintaining and updating complex software systems.

### Advocacy and Social Impact
Sue Black is a vocal advocate for women in technology. She founded #techmums, a social enterprise that provides technology education to mothers and their families, aiming to improve digital literacy and employment opportunities. Her book, *Saving Bletchley Park*, documents her efforts to preserve the historic site where early computing pioneers, including Alan Turing, worked during World War II.

### Awards and Recognition
Black's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to technology. She has also received the Anita Borg Institute Women of Vision Awards and fellowships from the Royal Society of Arts and the British Computer Society.

### Public Engagement
Sue Black is an active public speaker and blogger, using her platform to promote digital inclusion and diversity in technology. She maintains a strong social media presence, with thousands of followers on platforms like Twitter, where she shares insights on technology and advocacy.

## Schema Markup
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  "birthDate": "1962",
  "birthPlace": "Fareham, United Kingdom",
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## References

1. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0002-9315-9517/employment/8147263)
2. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-35202667)
3. [Source](https://anitab.org/profiles/abie-award-winners/social-impact/sue-black/)
4. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20190506102138/https://europe.inspiringfifty.org/europe-2016)
5. [Source](https://www5.open.ac.uk/students/ceremonies/sites/www.open.ac.uk.students.ceremonies/files/files/Honorary%20graduate%20cumulative%20list(7).xlsx)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Google Knowledge Graph
8. [E-Theses Online Service](http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.713479)
9. BBC Things