University’s role in sell-out international software conference
28 May 2015
Cardiff University is playing a major role in a sell-out global gathering for users of cutting edge software that powers many of the best-known websites in the world
DjangoCon Europe 2015 takes place at the University and Cardiff's City Hall from 31 May to 5 June.
Django, a free and open source web application framework, is used by well-known sites such as Instagram, Pinterest and Eventbrite.
More than 350 people from as far afield as the USA and southern Africa will take part in the biggest ever Django conference to date.
Django, which is written in the free Python programming language, has experienced enormous growth in recent years and now has users in more than 160 countries. It is used and taught widely within the University.
The event's main organiser is Daniele Procida, formerly of the University's School of Medicine.
Mr Procida, who still lives in Cardiff despite now working for a Swiss web agency, said: "It's a big event for Cardiff and the University and I think people will go home with very good memories."
The University is playing a key role, with events taking place in Bute Building and Main Building.
Several members of the organising committee are University staff and students, while many speakers are from the University.
The Vice-Chancellor's Office has also funded scholarships for a group of students to attend all six days of the event.
One member of staff and two students from the University of Namibia will attend as part of The Phoenix Project, one of the University's flagship engagement projects otherwise known as the Transforming Communities programme.
The University is working with communities in Cardiff, Wales and beyond in areas including health, education and wellbeing.
The Phoenix Project, led by Professor Judith Hall, is working with the University of Namibia – in conjunction with the Welsh Government - in several key areas including maternal health, science and communication.
Mr Procida teamed up with The Phoenix Project when he organised a successful Python conference in Namibia earlier this year.
While the Cardiff event is already sold out, an open day is taking place at Main Building on Sunday, 31 May in which people can sign up for a series of free talks, demonstrations and workshops.