The world's leading digital 'movers and shakers' are exploring how the Web could be reimagined for the public good at this week's 12th International ACM Conference on Web Science.

The interdisciplinary conference, which is being hosted online by the University of Southampton's Web Science Institute (WSI), is focusing on new directions in the Web and artificial intelligence (AI).

Chaired by WSI Executive Director Professor Dame Wendy Hall, Regius Professor of Computer Science at Southampton, the conference features keynote speakers, presentations of new research, panel debates and a PhD symposium.

The main conference will be formally opened tomorrow by ACM President, Gabriele Kotsis, followed by Dame Wendy 'In Conversation' with University of Southampton's Chancellor, Ruby Wax, at 10.00am (BST).

Dame Wendy says: "At the WSI, we are at the forefront of global Web Science. This is our field of expertise, so we thought, if anyone could transform a physical conference into a virtual one, it should be us."

The registration fee to access all of the sessions - and more - is just £50. Register now at websci20.webscience.org

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Researchers at the University of Southampton are optimising the design of a COVID-19 personal respirator for use in developing countries thanks to a significant donation from two married alumni.

The PeRSo respirator hood, which was created by a multi-disciplinary team including experts in Electronics and Computer Science (ECS), provides clean air via a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

A donation of more than £168,000 from Dr Alison Steele and Stefan Cross QC, who met at the University in the 1980s, will help build and test further prototypes of the respirator, including a lightweight version for care home staff and other frontline workers, plus a flat-pack, low-cost version for prompt use in developing countries.

Professor Hywel Morgan, project co-lead within ECS, says: "We are highly appreciative of this generous donation, which will allow us to build on our success and develop the next generation PeRSo for roll out into the wider community as soon as possible."

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Four electronics students and graduates from the University of Southampton have been named among the industry's best young engineers in the BrightSparks 2020 awards.

Yanislav Donchev, James Imber, Olivia Ojuroye and Tyler Ward have all been selected by the Electronics Weekly programme, which highlights the brightest and most talented electronics engineers between the ages of 18 and 30.

Former Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) students James, Olivia and Tyler are making an impact in semiconductor and software design, wearable technology and 3D audio sectors, while Yanislav continues his Southampton education with an MSc Artificial Intelligence degree.

Professor Geoff Merrett, Director of Outreach and Recruitment at ECS, says: "It's great to see so many ECS students and alumni being recognised yet again in these awards, from those still studying to those who graduated nearly a decade ago. Many congratulations to all of them, and we look forward to seeing how their careers continue to develop in the future."

James Imber graduated from Southampton in 2012 and has been recognised for his contribution to 20 patent applications and collaborative STEM outreach during his time as a Senior Research Engineer at Imagination Technologies.

Olivia Ojuroye is a Product Specialist at The Wearable Tech Hub. She developed commercially viable yarn-based e-textiles during her PhD at Southampton and enhanced an AI algorithm's data insights on an EU-funded audiovisual database project.

Tyler Ward has been honoured for his work developing the interactive Erica the Rhino artwork during his PhD studies, which has been used to promote rhino conservation. Today, he is supporting University spin-out company AudioScenic as a Senior Engineer.

Yanislav Donchev claimed first prize in an inaugural Embedded Systems Competition with an innovative design for sensor-fitted drumsticks and foot pedals that he created during his Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree's individual project. He is also commended in the BrightSparks 2020 cohort for outreach activities inspiring the next generation of engineering students.

Yanislav and James are current and former UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF) Scholars. The Scholarship programme, which boosts students' career prospects through an annual bursary, paid work placements and mentoring from a leading employer, selected a record number of Southampton students this summer.

Stewart Edmondson, UKESF CEO, says: "Once again, it is fantastic to see the number of BrightSparks winners who have studied at Southampton and been part of our Scholarship Scheme. It is great that they have gone on achieve national recognition through this prestigious award. We should use their success to inspire more youngsters to study electronics and to pursue careers in the sector."

Electronics Weekly's BrightSparks 2020 awards is run in partnership with RS Components and aims to inspire other newcomers to the sector or those interested in a career in electronics. Four past and present ECS students were also honoured in the 2019 BrightSparks cohort, with all having benefited from the UKSEF Scholarship programme.