As London prepares for more of the data centres needed to power AI, a researcher working on how to make them more sustainable has been named among the UK’s TechWomen100.
Dr Umaima Haider, based at the University of East London’s (UEL) Docklands campus, has spent more than a decade working to reduce the environmental impact of digital infrastructure. Her recognition comes as the Royal Docks, where UEL is based, is set to become home to one of London’s largest data centre campuses.
The development, which has planning permission from Newham Council, is designed to meet growing demand for AI and cloud computing. Its plans include three data centre buildings, alongside a facility intended to provide training and career opportunities for the local community. The buildings are designed with energy saving measures, including cooling systems that do not rely on water evaporation, and provision for a future connection to a district heating network. For the Royal Docks, it brings the opportunities and environmental questions surrounding AI infrastructure close to home.
The growing demand for AI makes questions about how data centres use energy increasingly urgent. At UEL, Dr Haider leads research and industry collaborations on energy efficient, resilient digital infrastructure. She has also assessed and developed sustainability strategies for more than 400 data centres across Europe and the Middle East. Her work looks at how data centres can meet rising demand while using resources more efficiently. She also contributes to UK policy discussions on reducing the sector’s environmental impact, bringing her research to bear on decisions that will shape the infrastructure behind AI.
A panel of 20 independent judges selected Dr Haider as one of this year’s TechWomen100 winners. Organised by WeAreTechWomen, the awards celebrate achievements across fields including AI, cyber security and software engineering. They also give emerging talent the chance to see the breadth of careers available in technology and the people already helping to shape its future.
Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE, founder and CEO of WeAreTechWomen, said the awards were about “visibility, creating role models and showing other women what is possible”.
Alongside her research, Dr Haider has worked to raise the visibility of women in digital infrastructure through ambassadorial roles with the Nomad Futurist Foundation, Women in Tech Global Network and Infrastructure Masons.
Speaking about her recognition, Dr Haider, who is a Senior Lecturer in Computer Science and Digital Technologies and Associate Director of the Centre for Work, Organisation and Technology, said:
“I’m honoured to be named among the TechWomen100, alongside inspiring women and leading experts from across the technology industry. As an academic and researcher, it is especially meaningful to have my work in sustainable digital infrastructure recognised beyond academia. I hope this recognition inspires more women to pursue technology, research and innovation – and to see themselves as the leaders shaping our digital future.”
Related