Voices of Science

Stephanie 'Steve' Shirley (1933-), software industry pioneer, computer scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist worked at the Post Office Research Station, Dollis Hill before pioneering an innovative approach to software development when she established her own company employing home-based women as part-time workers in 1962. This grew to become F.I. Group, later Xansa. In 1989 she was the first female President ofthe British Computer Society. Following her retirement in 1993 she served on the boards of several major companies and devoted considerable time to philanthropy, particularly in the area of autism. She was appointed by the UK Government as Ambassador for Philanthropy in 2009/10