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Iain Mauchline (KEYNOTE SPEAKER)
Innovate UK Innovation Lead, Electronics, Sensors & PhotonicsIain joined Innovate UK as Innovation Lead – Electronics Sensors & Photonics in October 2021 with a remit to further establish ESP as a key enabling and cross-cutting technology, spanning Challenge and application areas.
He previously was the Engineering Director at OptoSci, a photonics systems and sensors SME. His expertise covers many areas of ESP, design and manufacture of systems for photonics education, training and research, and fibre optic sensing systems for harsh and industrial environments
He graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a BEng in Electrical & Electronic Engineering and a PhD specialising in glass integrated optics. Then joined the research staff at Strathclyde from 1994-1996 before moving to OptoSci Ltd.
With over 30 year experience working across optoelectronics and photonics, he has managed numerous national and international product development programmes bringing in excess of twenty major product lines to market and industrialising research.
Caroline Gray
Professor of Enterprise, Engagement and KnowledgeTransfer at Wrexham Glyndwr University & Director of the Centre for Photonics Excellence at OpticProfessor Caroline Gray is Professor of Enterprise, Engagement and Knowledge Transfer and the Site Director of The OpTIC Technology Centre a bespoke Technology and Incubation Centre, managed as Glyndwr Innovations Ltd. A wholly owned Glyndwr University facility located on the St Asaph business park. The facility offers high quality technical and office incubation facilities and business meeting and conference facilities, the centre is home to the WEFO funded Centre for Photonics Expertise project and also includes the Glyndwr Innovations, Precision Optical Systems Group who design, manufacture and assemble ultra-precision optical systems. This award winning team have achieved a number of world firsts including the ability to polish large aperture optics without edge defects and the development of Ultra Lightweight optical systems for Space and Near Space applications.
She is a Physics graduate who has spent her career of over 35 years working in the optical industry. She has developed CNC optical manufacture processes in both Single Point Diamond Turning and CNC polishing techniques for many applications including high end technically challenging applications and high volume precision component applications. Gray's industry experience includes the management and technical directorship of SME's and research projects.
Caroline is a member of the Institute of Physics and a Chartered Physicist.
Iwan Davies
Group Technology Director of IQE plcDr. Iwan Davies obtained a B.Sc (Hons) in Chemistry from Imperial College, London and his Ph.D. on MOVPE Studies in Compound Semiconductors from the University of Manchester. He is a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
With 40 years-experience in the epitaxial growth by MOVPE of arsenide/phosphide III-V and selenide II-VI semiconductors, he has co-authored over 100 publications covering a very broad range of optoelectronic devices and material systems. Following a period of research and development at Plessey Research (Caswell) Ltd., he has managed the growth and characterization of epi-wafers, research & development, plant operations and product engineering, principally for GaAs and InP-based material systems for the last 33 years at IQE.
He is currently IQE plc Group Technology Director, representing the company on numerous European associations, including Photonics 21 (Board of Stakeholders), European Photonics Industry Consortium, Aeneas and Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI). He leads IQE plc in UK National and European Research Project Co-ordination. He also supervises ~10 UK-based PhD studentships and has supported numerous projects, EPSRC, NRN and also Centres for Doctoral Training and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with UK universities.
Andrew Hurst
Industrial Process Manager, Qioptic UKAndy Hurst has been involved in the glass and optics industry for over 40 years with Qioptiq UK, based in St Asaph, N. Wales. Qioptiq (part of the Excelitas Corp.) is a world-leading supplier of high precision optical systems for military and commercial use. Andy has fulfilled several roles during this time, covering both manufacturing and technology development. Andy started his career in optics developing manufacturing processes to produce holographic optical elements for use in head-up displays used in military aircraft. For the last 20 years he has been involved in the field of thin-film optical coatings, leading a world-class design, development, and manufacturing team.
Andy has also been a member of a variety of steering groups for precision optics manufacturing in conjunction with several academic institutions.
Louise Jones
Knowledge Transfer Manager at KTNLouise Jones has a background and PhD in the fine chemicals industry with catalytic converter manufacturing and coating experience. Louise was a commercial project manager in two Universities delivering commercial collaborative projects between industry focused around solar energy development and manufacturing and photonics applications into other sectors. Louise currently leads on Energy Systems at the KTN focusing on Distributed generation and grid and the mix of renewables (including solar) that can integrate into energy systems. Louise is responsible for facilitating technological collaborations across industry and spanning the research community in the field of electrical energy systems. Louise also works extensively in Wales supporting innovation regardless of sector.
Avril Lewis MBE
Managing Director of Technology ConnectedAvril was appointed Managing Director of Technology Connected, formerly the ESTnet, in May 2012.
Her background is in the semiconductor industry, and she was awarded the MBE for services to the technology industry in Wales in 2018. Avril is an influential and energetic leader with highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, and thrives as a catalyst for change.
John Lincoln
Director at Harlin & Chief Executive of the Photonics Leadership Group at Harlin LtdDr John Lincoln is Chief Executive of the Photonics Leadership Group, industrial liaison for the Future Photonics Hub Southampton and Sheffield Universities and member of multiple advisory boards. Through business development consultancy, Harlin Ltd, John supports SMEs, Universities, VCs and government agencies to identify growth opportunities and the impact of photonics.