Liz Bacon (born 27 September 1963) is a British computer scientist and academic leader. She is a Professor of Computer Science and currently serves as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University in Dundee,Scotland.[1] A Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh,Chartered Engineer,Chartered IT Professional and Chartered Scientist;she is known for her work in artificial intelligence,technology-enhanced learning,and STEM diversity advocacy.[2] Bacon has held prominent leadership roles,including past President of BCS,The Chartered Institute for IT,and was named one of the most influential women in UK IT.[3]
Before joining Abertay University,Bacon held senior roles at the University of Greenwich,including Professor of Software Engineering and Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor.[5] She joined Abertay in 2018 as a Professor of Computer Science and served as Deputy Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor until she was appointed Principal and Vice-Chancellor in May 2022.[1]
EQANIE,the European Quality Assurance Network for Informatics Education[3]
She was the inaugural Chair of the BCS Academy of Computing and chaired the Council of Professors and Heads of Computing (CPHC).[3] She has served as a Trustee and Director of Bletchley Park Trust,and currently sits on the Board of V&A Dundee and JISC’s Audit and Risk Committee.[3]
Fellowships:FBCS,FIScT,and professional membership of ACM[3]
Winner of the Services to Science &Technology Award at the Scottish Women’s Awards (2023)[6]
Advocacy and outreach
Bacon is an advocate for digital education,the societal impact of AI,and diversity in STEM.[7] During her BCS presidency,she founded STELLAR,a senior women’s network aimed at increasing female participation in STEM careers.[3]
Research impact
Bacon’s research has significantly influenced the fields of technology-enhanced learning,artificial intelligence,and computer science education. Her work has focused on developing immersive learning environments and applying AI to improve educational outcomes,particularly in areas such as crisis management,eHealth,and serious games.[3] She has coordinated multiple European Commission-funded projects under FP7 and Horizon 2020,contributing to international standards for computing education and quality assurance.[4] Bacon has published extensively,and is frequently invited to speak worldwide on topics including digital education,the impact of AI,and diversity in STEM.[7]
Selected publications
Bacon,L. et al. Technology-enhanced learning for crisis management (various EU FP7/H2020 projects)[3]
Bacon,L. AI and Higher Education:Opportunities and Challenges[7]
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