Marking Ada Lovelace Day

Marking Ada Lovelace Day means celebrating the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM), and it falls every year on the second Tuesday of October. It's an informally recognised international day that shines a light on women in STEM, and one of the best ways to mark it is by booking an Ada Lovelace Day speaker who can bring that story to life for your team or students.

What is Ada Lovelace Day?

Ada Lovelace Day (ALD) celebrates women's achievements in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). It aims to increase the profile of women in STEM and, in doing so, create new role models who will encourage more girls to pursue STEM careers and support women already working in STEM.

» Explore: The top women in tech speakers

Who was Ada Lovelace?

Born in 1815, Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician and writer who is most famous for her collaboration with mathematician and inventor Charles Babbage on his early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. Her approach of "poetical science" inspired her to inquire about the Analytical Engine (as evident in her notes), exploring the interaction between individuals and society with technology as a collaborative tool.

In 1843, Lovelace released a computer program to calculate Bernoulli Numbers, now considered the first of its kind. Although Babbage had previously created partial programs, Lovelace's program was the most comprehensive and intricate and was the first to be published.

Lovelace was the first person to envision the engine's potential for creativity. She articulated how it could go beyond basic number calculations and produce music and art with the appropriate programming and inputs. Her foresight into the possibilities of computing surpassed that of her contemporaries and went unnoticed for a hundred years.

» Explore: PepTalk's Technology Speakers

How long has Ada Lovelace Day been observed?

Established in 2009, the event is now conducted every year on the second Tuesday of October — you can check the exact date for this year and next in our October awareness days calendar. Aside from the day, Ada Lovelace has been commemorated in various ways, reflecting her influence as a pioneer in mathematics and computing:

• Several buildings are named after her, including the Ada Lovelace Building at the University of Bristol, the Ada Byron Building at Zaragoza University, and the Ada Lovelace House in Nottinghamshire.
• Google Doodles honoured her in 2012 and 2017, and a Google blog post celebrated her birthday.
• In 2013, Ada Developers Academy was founded to help diversify the tech industry.
• A BBC Radio 4 episode on "Great Lives" featured her in 2013.
• British passports since 2015 include an illustration of Lovelace and Charles Babbage.
• In 2018, Satellogic named a micro-satellite after her, and the U.S. Senate designated 9 October as National Ada Lovelace Day.
• Trinity College Dublin commissioned a bust of her in 2020, and in 2022, a statue of her was unveiled in Westminster, London.
• Nvidia named a GPU microarchitecture after her in 2022.
• The Royal Mint has also marked her legacy through special coin designs celebrating British innovators.

Upcoming Ada Lovelace Day Dates

• 2026: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
• 2027: Tuesday, October 12, 2027
• 2028: Tuesday, October 10, 2028
• 2029: Tuesday, October 9, 2029
• 2030: Tuesday, October 8, 2030

Top Ada Lovelace Day Speakers

How can businesses and schools mark Ada Lovelace Day? Many book an Ada Lovelace Day speaker, ranging from scientists to STEM speakers, AI innovators, ethical hackers, astronaut speakers and more. For further inspiration, see our roundup of speakers to inspire girls in STEM.

Hannah Fry

Hannah Fry is a brilliant mathematician and science communicator whose work explores the intricate patterns of human behaviour in everything from urban crime to transportation. She engages audiences with a unique ability to simplify complex data, making her a standout speaker for any STEM or Ada Lovelace Day event. Hannah's extensive experience in TV, radio, and public speaking adds a dynamic edge to her presentations, where she covers the intersection of mathematics, technology, and society. If you're drawn to Hannah's style, our list of UK science speakers like Hannah Fry has more options.

PepTalk Fact: Hannah's documentary Contagion! The BBC Four Pandemic modelled how a flu-like virus could spread across the UK, two years before COVID-19 🔮

Learn more and book Professor Hannah Fry →

Nina Schick

Nina Schick is a leading voice on the future of AI, offering insights that shape conversations around technology, business, and geopolitics. Her ability to forecast technological trends long before they hit mainstream makes her an ideal speaker for STEM events. Nina's expertise bridges the gap between emerging AI developments and their real-world impact, providing actionable insights that inspire thoughtful discourse on the role of technology in society.

PepTalk Fact: Nina speaks seven languages and has advised global leaders like Joe Biden 🌍

Learn more and book Nina Schick →

Julia Shaw

Julia Shaw brings a fresh perspective to criminal psychology and memory science, making her a compelling speaker for any STEM or Ada Lovelace Day audience. With her focus on how human memory works and its implications in fields like law and social justice, Julia provides thought-provoking content. Her engaging presentations blend academic research with real-world applications, making complex psychological topics accessible to all.

PepTalk Fact: Julia is the founder of Spot, an AI-driven platform designed to tackle workplace harassment and discrimination 🤖

Learn more and book Julia Shaw →

Nancy Vermeulen

Nancy Vermeulen is an astronaut instructor and space pioneer who brings the wonders of the universe to business and leadership. She seamlessly connects her background in astronomy and aviation with leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking in high-pressure environments. Nancy's talks inspire future STEM leaders by showcasing how space exploration can offer unique insights into solving everyday challenges.

PepTalk Fact: Nancy founded the Space Training Academy to help prepare future space travellers 🚀

Learn more and book Nancy Vermeulen →

Keren Elazari

Keren Elazari is a celebrated cyber security expert who blends cutting-edge technology with human insight, making her an essential speaker for STEM and tech-focused events. With a career spanning 25 years, Keren's deep knowledge of cyber security trends and ethical hacking has earned her global recognition. Her TED Talk on hacking is one of the most-watched talks on cyber security, providing valuable insights into the evolving digital landscape.

PepTalk Fact: Keren's TED Talk has been viewed millions of times and translated into 30 languages 💻

Learn more and book Keren Elazari →

Ghislaine Boddington

Ghislaine Boddington is a leading expert on digital identity and the fusion of physical and virtual interaction. Her work pushes the boundaries of what it means to live in a hybrid world, making her a perfect speaker for events focused on technology's societal impact. Ghislaine brings a wealth of experience from creative industries and digital futures, offering inspiring insights into the intersection of people and technology.

PepTalk Fact: Ghislaine has delivered keynote speeches in over 35 countries, sparking global conversations about the future of digital identity 🌐

Learn more and book Ghislaine Boddington →

Maggie Aderin-Pocock

Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a trailblazing space scientist whose work in STEM education and public engagement has inspired countless people. Known for her work on BBC's The Sky at Night, Maggie's passion for space science and her ability to communicate complex topics in an accessible way make her an exceptional speaker. She has a unique ability to inspire audiences to reach for the stars, both figuratively and literally.

PepTalk Fact: Maggie has been honoured with a Barbie doll made in her likeness by Mattel, recognising her contribution to STEM 🎨

Learn more and book Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock →

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good Ada Lovelace Day speaker?

A strong Ada Lovelace Day speaker connects Lovelace's legacy to work your audience can actually use, whether that's someone forecasting where AI is heading, unpacking cyber security, or explaining how space exploration sharpens leadership under pressure. Look for someone who pairs genuine STEM expertise with the ability to make it land for a mixed, non-technical room.

How do I book an Ada Lovelace Day speaker?

Get in touch with PepTalk with your event date, audience and budget, and we'll match you with an Ada Lovelace Day speaker suited to your theme, whether that's AI, cyber security, space or STEM careers more broadly. Email hello@getapeptalk.com or call +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) / +1 737 888 5112 (US).

When should I book my Ada Lovelace Day speaker?

Ada Lovelace Day falls on the second Tuesday of October, and speaker diaries around that week fill up fast each autumn. Reach out several months ahead if you want first choice of speaker.

💡 Would you like to mark Ada Lovelace Day or celebrate women in STEM with an Ada Lovelace Day speaker? Let us know, and we'll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it's always a good time to get a PepTalk!