NASA is naming its next-generation space telescope in honor of Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first chief astronomer, who paved the way for space telescopes focused on the broader universe. The newly named Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope – or Roman Space Telescope, for short – is set to launch in the mid-2020s. It will investigate long-standing astronomical mysteries, such as the force behind the universe’s expansion, and search for distant planets beyond our solar system.

What happens when computing moves beyond data and starts focusing on meaning? In the latest Voices of ACM-W — Stories Behind Our Work, host Cigdem Sengul speaks with Lynda Hardman about the evolution of computing, from early hypertext systems to AI, and why human-centred technology matters now more than ever. As a researcher, educator, and advocate for gender equity in computing, Lynda reminds us that technology is not only about processing information but about understanding people, stories, and societal impact. Her work demonstrates how research, standards, and community-building can help create more inclusive computing environments. What role do you think human experience should play in shaping the future of AI and computing?

When challenges arise, strong communities find ways to adapt. SWE leaders from collegiate sections and affiliates recently came together to share how they have navigated change, solved problems, and continued supporting their members through evolving circumstances. Their stories highlight the power of creativity, collaboration, and persistence in building strong engineering communities.

Each year, NCWIT hosts virtual career fairs to connect sponsor companies and Workforce Alliance members with over 30,000 individuals in the Aspirations in Computing Community. This robust and engaged community is comprised of high school, collegiate, and career professionals who want to connect with you and learn more about your company and its opportunities.The annual online event is free to access, and is only available to AiC Community and NCWIT Workforce Alliance members.

Audrey McCormack, opening keynote for WE Local Dublin and senior director, research & commercialisation facility lead at MSD Ireland, discusses how engineers can turn failure into a powerful career advantage in this episode. In conversation with host Sam East, Audrey reflects on her unconventional path from electrician to biotech leader and shares how the moments that didn’t go to plan shaped her resilience, confidence, and leadership style. Hear how to pursue STEM roles when you don’t meet every requirement, rebuild confidence after a failure, and create space for your team to take risks - even in high-stakes technical environments.

Scientists today are asked to make high-stakes decisions quickly - sometimes with limited context and data. On June 11 at 1 p.m. ET Chantel Wilson Chase will present the TAP Method (Tools • Analysis • Population), a practical way to make decisions with those imperfections in clearer view. This session is designed for scientists who often face social penalties for asking clarifying questions. TAP provides neutral, non-adversarial language that helps you surface limitations, challenge assumptions, and articulate when a decision is being made with “half data” - not as a flaw, but as a deliberate act of decision intelligence. You’ll leave with a set of questions and strategies that increase your influence, confidence, and clarity in fast-moving scientific environments. Key Takeaways: Understand the limits of imperfect data; Make responsible decisions even when data is partial; Ask sharper questions without being dismissed or penalized and Increase your influence in high-stakes discussions.

If you had a suspicious lesion or lump, would you trust a computer algorithm to spot, diagnose, and recommend a treatment for a possible tumor? While some clinicians, oncologists and radiologists resist doing so, most still agree that using artificial intelligence to aid in the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cancer in their patients represents the wave of the future. Dr. Bipin Gaikwad, a postdoctoral researcher at the Tufts University Institute of Artificial Intelligence (TIAI), once worked in smart surveillance, a technology that uses AI to develop security systems to prevent terrorist attacks. Now, he has turned his fascination with AI in a very different direction. Recently, while working to complete a postdoc at Tufts University, he contributed to a paper on the use of AI in medicine published by Tufts researcher Dr. Thomas Schnelldorfer. Their work focuses on how to use AI during minimally invasive laparoscopies to determine whether gastrointestinal lesions are benign or malignant.

NCWIT’s power has always resided in the passionate community dedicated to broadening participation in tech. At the upcoming 2026 NCWITSummit, meet and collaborate with changemakers from across NCWIT’s ecosystem in engaging breakout sessions. These workshops will explore our relationship to technology, and how we can all play a role in shaping the BPC future — both within computing education and within the broader workforce! This year’s event at the University of Colorado Boulder, will feature thought-provoking workshops, award celebrations, and galvanizing presentations between June 1-2.

In March, the NCWIT workforce Alliance convened for their Quarterly Meeting! The session explored the current cultural and technology climate and its implications for leadership In the NCWIT Media Hub, Dr. Brad reflects on belonging; designing better systems for real people; and how you can maintain clarity of vision, ethical standards, and integrity in your decision-making.

Now is the time to center the uniquely human capacity for critical thinking, ethics, and empathy to shape our technical future before we are shaped by it. At the 2026 NCWITSummit, join changemakers from across NCWIT’s ecosystem for a variety of galvanizing plenaries! These sessions will explore our relationship to technology, and how we can all play a role in shaping the future!