WiCoDE27Celebration of Women in Computing Register

WiCoDE27: ACM Celebration of Women in Computing

Dubai ACM-W Professional ChapterLab to LaunchDecode. Create. Lead.
  • 7 and 8 April 2027
  • From 8:30 AM (UAE, GMT+4)
  • BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus
  • Free to attend
Apply as an ACM-W Scholar ↗Opens 15 Nov 2026 Register ↗Opens 1 Feb 2027 View programme

Lab to Launch. Two days of mentoring, real industry challenges and recognition for women in computing.

Wed 7 April 2027: ACM-W Scholars’ Cohort

Thu 8 April 2027: WiCoDE27 Celebration

BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus

2 days · 300 participants · 40 international scholars · 6 student chapters · 10 award categories

in-person & free

WiCoDE27 brings research scholars, students, industry leaders and the global ACM-W leadership together in Dubai for two days of mentoring, real industry challenges and recognition. It is the second edition of the ACM Celebration of Women in Computing organised by the Dubai ACM-W Professional Chapter, and this year it opens with the ACM-W Scholars’ Cohort for research scholars from the UAE and abroad.

Day 1, Wednesday 7 April: ACM-W Scholars’ Cohort. For research scholars from all disciplines. Industry panel, Pitch to Industry, Coffee with a Chair, Career Studio and the WiCoDE Recognition Awards.

Day 2, Thursday 8 April: WiCoDE27 Celebration. For students and student chapters. Industry Challenge Sprint finals, hands-on workshops, the chapter showcase and the student awards.

WiCoDE is the ACM Celebration of Women in Computing organised in Dubai by the Dubai ACM-W Professional Chapter with the Dubai ACM Professional Chapter, hosted by BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus. It brings together students, research scholars, faculty, industry professionals and ACM-W leaders from around the world to highlight the contributions of women in computing and to build an inclusive and collaborative computing community across the UAE.

Lab to Launch. Research is where ideas begin. WiCoDE27 is about what comes next: taking research from the lab to industry, a thesis to a career, and classroom learning to real problems. Decode the problem. Create the solution. Lead the change.

The first edition. WiCoDE26 took place on 16 and 17 February 2026 at BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus. It brought together global ACM-W leadership, faculty members, industry professionals and ACM student chapters, with 96 registered participants from institutions across the UAE. Read about WiCoDE26.

About ACM-W. ACM-W, the ACM Council on Women in Computing, supports, celebrates and advocates internationally for the full engagement of women in all aspects of the computing field. ACM Celebrations of Women in Computing are regional events held around the world with participants from academia, industry and government.

Who should attend: research scholars from all disciplines, in the UAE and abroad; undergraduate and postgraduate students; faculty members and researchers; industry professionals and practitioners; ACM and ACM-W members and student chapter leaders.

Highlights: Pitch to Industry, three minutes to show industry what your research can do. Industry Challenge Sprint, real problems from real companies: win an interview, not a voucher. My Research in 60 Seconds, your research in one vertical video. Coffee with a Chair, ten minutes at the table with ACM-W leaders and industry experts. Career Studio, with a professional headshot, LinkedIn review and CV clinic, free for every participant. And the WiCoDE Recognition Awards.

Meet the ACM-W Leadership

  • Dr. Rukiye Altin

    Dr. Rukiye Altin

    ACM-W Global Chair

    Kiel University, Germany

  • Prof. Bimlesh Wadhwa

    Prof. Bimlesh Wadhwa

    ACM-W Asia Pacific Chair

    National University of Singapore

  • Dr. Arati Dixit

    Dr. Arati Dixit

    ACM-W Chair, Regional Activities Committee

    ARA Inc. and North Carolina State University, USA

  • Dr. Leyla Atakan

    Dr. Leyla Atakan

    ACM-W Chair

    Bilkent, Turkey

  • Dr. Dorota Filipczuk

    Dr. Dorota Filipczuk

    ACM-W Europe Chair

    Microsoft

Meet the Industry Experts

  • Dr. Rathan M

    Dr. Rathan M

    Senior Director of Artificial Intelligence

    Exalogic Consulting, Dubai

  • Gowri Shankar Sivabala

    Gowri Shankar Sivabala

    Ethical AI Consultant and Founder, AI and Quantum International Hub (AIQUAINT)

    UAE

More speakers and the keynote speakers will be announced from February 2027.

Programme

Day 1 · Wednesday 7 April 2027ACM-W Scholars’ Cohort

TimeSessionSpeakers and details

  1. 08:30

    Break

    Registration and breakfast

    Career Studio opens

  2. 09:15

    Talk

    Welcome and inaugural address

    Organisers and the leadership of BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus

  3. 09:40

    Talk

    ACM-W address

    Dr. Rukiye Altin, ACM-W Global Chair

  4. 10:00

    Keynote

    Keynote: Research careers beyond academia

    To be announced in February 2027

  5. 10:40

    Break

    Break

    Top 10 “My Research in 60 Seconds” videos

  6. 11:00

    Panel

    Industry panel: Research roles in industry

    Dr. Rathan M, Gowri Shankar Sivabala and industry partners

  7. 12:00

    Pitch

    Pitch to Industry

    Ten scholar finalists

  8. 12:50

    Break

    Lunch and networking

  9. 13:45

    Panel

    Fireside chat: Academia or industry

    Prof. Bimlesh Wadhwa, Dr. Arati Dixit and Dr. Dorota Filipczuk

  10. 14:30

    Mentoring

    Coffee with a Chair

    Speed mentoring with ACM-W leaders and industry experts

  11. 15:20

    Talk

    Trend talks

    Responsible AI in research; AI in industry research

  12. 16:00

    Awards

    WiCoDE Recognition Awards

    Scholar and professional awards

  13. 16:45

    Break

    Close, high tea and networking

The programme may change. The final programme will be published on 20 March 2027.

Mark your calendar

Key dates

Add WiCoDE27 to Google Calendar

  1. Nov 2026

    15

    ACM-W Scholars call opens

    Upcoming

  2. Dec 2026

    1

    Award nominations open

    Upcoming

  3. Jan 2027

    15

    ACM-W Scholars applications close; workshop proposals due

    Upcoming

  4. Feb 2027

    1

    Registration opens; Industry Challenge Sprint and video challenge begin

    Upcoming

  5. Feb 2027

    28

    Pitch to Industry abstracts, video entries and award nominations close

    Upcoming

  6. Apr 2027

    7–8

    WiCoDE27 at BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus

    The event

Get involved

Take part

Pitch your research, explain it in 60 seconds, solve a real industry problem, run a workshop or volunteer. Open each one for the details.

Pitch to Industry

WhoResearch scholars from any discipline.

SubmitA one-page abstract covering the problem, your research, how it could be applied in industry, and what you would need from an industry partner. Published or under-review work is welcome.

DatesAbstracts by 28 February 2027; ten finalists announced on 15 March 2027.

On the dayA three-minute pitch and two minutes of live feedback from the industry panel on 7 April.

RecognitionBest Pitch award and three months of mentoring with an industry leader or ACM-W chair.

Submit a Pitch to Industry abstract Opens 15 Nov 2026

My Research in 60 Seconds

HowPost a vertical video of up to 60 seconds explaining your research on LinkedIn or Instagram with the hashtag #WiCoDE27, tag the Dubai ACM-W Professional Chapter, and submit the link through the entry form.

DatesEntries from 1 to 28 February 2027; public voting from 1 to 10 March 2027.

RecognitionThe top ten videos are shown at the event and the jury selects the Best Research Video.

Enter My Research in 60 Seconds Opens 1 Feb 2027

Industry Challenge Sprint

WhoTeams of three or four students from UAE universities.

HowPartner companies release real problem statements on 1 February 2027. Teams work for five to six weeks, with one online check-in with the company.

DatesTeam registration from 1 to 15 February 2027 (closes 15 February 2027); five finalist teams announced on 15 March 2027; finals on 8 April 2027.

PrizeAn interview or a shadow day at the partner company.

Register your Sprint team Opens 1 Feb 2027

Campus Cup

The six partner student chapters compete for the Outstanding Student Chapter award. Chapters earn points for registered participants, event content they publish, entries to the challenges and their stand at the chapter showcase on 8 April.

Call for Workshops

We invite proposals for hands-on workshops of 75 to 90 minutes, held in parallel tracks on 8 April. Send a title, a 200-word description, the intended audience and the facilitator’s short bio by 15 January 2027.

Propose a workshop Opens 15 Nov 2026

Volunteer

Students from the partner chapters can volunteer for registration, speaker support, the Career Studio and social media. Volunteers receive a certificate and Campus Cup points for their chapter.

Sign up to volunteer Opens 15 Nov 2026

ACM-W Scholars’ Cohort

The ACM-W Scholars’ Cohort on 7 April 2027 brings research scholars from all disciplines together with ACM-W leaders and industry research experts. Every year, a group of research scholars from the UAE and abroad is selected as ACM-W Scholars and receives one-on-one feedback on their research, priority access to industry sessions and, for international scholars, the chance of a travel grant.

Applications open 15 November 2026

  • 2027 Cohort

    Who can apply

    • Doctoral and research master’s scholars in any discipline, not only computing.
    • Scholars from universities in the UAE and from any other country.
    • Applicants of any gender are welcome. The programme gives particular attention to women in research.
  • 2027 Cohort

    What ACM-W Scholars receive

    • Selection as an ACM-W Scholar 2027, with a certificate signed by the ACM-W chairs.
    • One-on-one thesis feedback: a 20-minute review of your two-page research summary by a senior mentor who has read it in advance.
    • Priority places in Pitch to Industry and Coffee with a Chair, and access to the Career Studio.
    • Travel grants for international scholars: about 20 grants covering a return flight and three hotel nights, subject to funding.
    • The International Programme: a welcome reception on 6 April and an industry and innovation visit on 9 April.
    • Three months of mentoring after the event, a feature in the ACM-W newsletter, and an invitation to return as a peer mentor in 2028.
  • 2027 Cohort

    How to apply

    1. 1Complete the application form by 15 January 2027 with your CV, a research statement of up to 300 words, your institution and supervisor, and whether you are requesting a travel grant.
    2. 2Ask your supervisor or your ACM-W chapter chair to send a short supporting statement through the form link we email to you.
    3. 3Selected scholars and travel grants are announced on 10 February 2027. International scholars receive invitation and visa support letters by 28 February 2027.
    4. 4Selected scholars submit a two-page research summary by 15 March 2027 and are matched with their mentor by 20 March 2027.
    5. 5Join us in Dubai from 6 to 9 April 2027.

    Apply as an ACM-W Scholar Opens 15 Nov 2026

  • Selection criteria

    Quality and clarity of the research, its potential impact, the applicant’s motivation, and a balance of disciplines, institutions and countries.

  • Not selected?

    All research scholars are welcome to register for Day 1, submit a Pitch to Industry abstract, enter the video challenge and book Coffee with a Chair.

Awards

The WiCoDE Recognition Awards, presented by the Dubai ACM-W Professional Chapter, celebrate women in computing across research, industry and student leadership in the UAE. Every winner receives a trophy and a digital certificate.

AwardWho it is forHow winners are chosen

  1. Best Pitch

    Pitch to Industry finalists

    Industry panel on the day

  2. Best Research Video

    Video challenge entrants

    Public vote for the shortlist, then the jury

  3. Research to Impact

    Selected ACM-W Scholars 2027

    Jury, based on the research summary and mentor review

  4. Excellence in Computing Research and Mentoring

    Women faculty members or researchers based in the UAE

    Nomination and jury

  5. Women in Technology Industry Leadership

    Women leaders in the UAE technology sector

    Nomination and jury

  6. Champion of Inclusion

    Anyone who has increased women’s participation in computing in the UAE

    Nomination and jury

  7. Emerging Researcher Award

    Women postdoctoral researchers or early-career faculty in the UAE

    Nomination and jury

  8. Industry Challenge Sprint Winner and Runner-up

    Sprint finalist teams

    Partner company judges on the day

  9. Outstanding Student Leader in Computing

    Women students who have led ACM or ACM-W chapter work at a UAE university

    Nomination and jury

  10. Outstanding Student Chapter

    Participating ACM and ACM-W student chapters

    Campus Cup points

How to nominate

Nominations are open from 1 December 2026 to 28 February 2027. The nomination form asks for the nominee’s details, a statement of up to 300 words and one supporting link. Self-nominations are welcome. Winners are decided by 20 March 2027 and presented at the ceremonies on 7 and 8 April.

Nominate for a Recognition Award Opens 1 Dec 2026

Jury

The jury consists of ACM-W leaders and industry members. Jurors declare any conflict of interest and do not judge nominees from their own institution. Members of the organising committee are not eligible.

Organised by

Organising Chapters

  • Dubai ACM-W Professional Chapter
  • Dubai ACM Professional Chapter
  • Host: BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus

Led by

General Chairs

  • Prof. Elakkiya Rajasekar
    Prof. Elakkiya RajasekarChair, Dubai ACM-W Professional Chapter; Vice-Chair, Dubai ACM Professional Chapter; BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus
  • Prof. Angel Arul Jothi
    Prof. Angel Arul JothiChair, Dubai ACM Professional Chapter; Vice-Chair, Dubai ACM-W Professional Chapter; BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus

Guided by

Steering Committee

  • Dr. Rukiye Altin
    Dr. Rukiye Altin
  • Prof. Bimlesh Wadhwa
    Prof. Bimlesh Wadhwa
  • Dr. Arati Dixit
    Dr. Arati Dixit
  • Dr. Leyla Atakan
    Dr. Leyla Atakan
  • Dr. Dorota Filipczuk
    Dr. Dorota Filipczuk

Supported by

Chapter Office-bearers

  • Prof. Soniya Priyatharshini
    Prof. Soniya PriyatharshiniTreasurer and Secretary, Dubai ACM-W Professional Chapter
  • Suyash Shukla
    Suyash ShuklaTreasurer and Secretary, Dubai ACM Professional Chapter
  • Alavikunhu Panthakkan
    Alavikunhu PanthakkanMembership Chair, Dubai ACM Professional Chapter

Thanks to our

Student Chapters

  • ACM-W BITS Pilani, Dubai
  • Symbiosis ACM-W Student Chapter
  • ACM BITS Pilani Dubai Student Chapter
  • UoBD ACM Student Chapter
  • ACM Student Chapter MAHE Dubai
  • ACM Student Chapter Amity Dubai

Thanks to our

Industry Partners

Announced soon.

Venue and travel

BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus

Getting there

Address
BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus
Dubai International Academic City
P.O. Box 345055, Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Directions

The campus is in Dubai International Academic City. Taxis and ride-hailing services are the easiest way to reach the campus from Dubai International Airport and from the city. Parking is available on campus. Detailed arrival information will be emailed to registered participants.

For international participants
  • Visa support: selected ACM-W Scholars and speakers receive invitation and visa support letters from BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus by 28 February 2027.
  • Accommodation: a group hotel rate near Dubai International Academic City will be shared with selected scholars.
  • Arrival: please plan to arrive by the evening of Tuesday 6 April 2027 for the welcome reception and depart after 12:00 on Friday 9 April 2027.
  • Weather: April in Dubai is warm, with daytime temperatures usually above 30 °C. Venues are air-conditioned.
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FAQ

Who can attend?

Research scholars, students, faculty members and industry professionals of any gender. Day 1 is designed for research scholars and Day 2 for students, and everyone is welcome on both days.

How much does it cost?

Attendance is free. Registration is required because places are limited.

Do I need to be a computer science scholar to join the Scholars’ Cohort?

No. The Scholars’ Cohort is open to research scholars from all disciplines.

Is there a publication or proceedings?

No. WiCoDE27 is a celebration and mentoring event, not a conference with proceedings. Published or under-review work is welcome in Pitch to Industry, and taking part does not prevent you from publishing your work elsewhere.

How do I become an ACM-W Scholar?

Apply through the ACM-W Scholars section between 15 November 2026 and 15 January 2027. Selected scholars are announced on 10 February 2027.

Are travel grants available?

About 20 travel grants for international ACM-W Scholars cover a return flight and three hotel nights, subject to funding. Indicate in your application if you are requesting one.

Can I join the Industry Challenge Sprint on my own?

Teams have three or four members. If you do not have a team, register your interest and we will help you find one.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who complete their event passport receive a digital participation certificate.

How do I nominate someone for an award?

Use the nomination form in the Awards section between 1 December 2026 and 28 February 2027. Self-nominations are welcome.

Be part of WiCoDE27

Registration is free and opens on 1 February 2027. It closes on 31 March 2027, or earlier if places are full.

Attend

Join the panels, mentoring and challenges. Free for all participants. Registration opens on 1 February 2027.

Register ↗Opens 1 Feb 2027

Become an ACM-W Scholar

Research scholars from the UAE and abroad can apply for one-on-one thesis feedback, industry exposure and travel grants. The call opens on 15 November 2026.

Apply ↗Opens 15 Nov 2026

Nominate

Know a woman in computing who deserves recognition? Nominate her for a WiCoDE Recognition Award. Nominations open on 1 December 2026.

Nominate ↗Opens 1 Dec 2026

The registration form will ask for

  • Full name, email and phone number
  • Institution or organisation, and role (research scholar, student, faculty member, industry professional)
  • Days attending: Day 1, Day 2 or both
  • Coffee with a Chair booking: preferred round and mentor (Day 1 for scholars, Day 2 for students)
  • Preferred workshop track on Day 2
  • Student chapter, if any (counts towards the Campus Cup)
  • Dietary requirements and accessibility needs
  • Consent to be photographed and filmed during the event

Women in
Computing

BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus7 and 8 April 2027

WiCoDE27 logo Dubai ACM-W Professional Chapterwith the Dubai ACM Professional Chapter
Dubai ACM Professional Chapter
AboutProgrammeACM-W ScholarsAwardsTravelFAQ

WiCoDE27 is organised by the Dubai ACM-W Professional Chapter and the Dubai ACM Professional Chapter and hosted by BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus.

Contact: elakkiya@dubai.bits-pilani.ac.in · BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus, Dubai International Academic City, P.O. Box 345055, Dubai, UAE · dubai.acm.org · #WiCoDE27

© 2026 Dubai ACM-W Professional Chapter