Speakers

Eyad is a renowned researcher in Machine Learning and AI and leads Robert Gordon University’s Interactive Machine Vision research Group.

He has pioneered the development of AI-driven solutions across different domains and helped businesses to intelligently transform existing practices. Following his completion of a PhD in 3D modeling and human face recognition at the University of Bradford, he joined Robert Gordon University School of Computing as a lecturer in 2009. He then progressed to be a Senior Lecturer in 2015 and a Reader in 2018.

In 2020, he was promoted to the rank of full Professor in Machine Learning and Computer Vision. His research is focused on applied computer vision, deep learning, and machine learning. He collaborates extensively with various industries across Scotland, actively contributing to the creation of state-of-the-art AI solutions to optimise and digitally transform their operations. With a track record encompassing over 100 publications in AI and Machine Learning, supervision of 12 successful PhD completions, and leadership on more than 30 innovative industry projects, he was recognised with the Knowledge Transfer Partnership Academic of the Year award in 2023 and as a finalist for the 2024 Scottish Knowledge Exchange Award.

James Allman-Talbot is Head of Incident Response and Threat Intelligence at Quorum Cyber, with over 14 years of experience working in cyber security across a variety of industries including aerospace and defence, law enforcement, and professional services.

Over the years he has built and developed incident response and threat intelligence capabilities for government bodies and multi-national organisations, and has worked closely with board level executives during incidents to advise on recovery and cyber risk management.

Sheryl Newman is the founder and CEO of B-Corp certified Appetite for Business, launched in 2016, which offers scalability solutions for businesses through accessible technology.

With a background in supporting companies with Digital Transformation and implementing Microsoft technologies, Sheryl is a passionate advocate for women in business and women in technology, holding previous roles such as President of Women Connect and Co-Founder of Girl Geek Scotland.

With Steve’s 40-year career in Space & Defence, Retail, and the Commercial sector, he has been able to build and deploy applications at scale in almost every industry and vertical for the world’s largest brands. His early experiences provided a unique understanding of the failings of how people and organisations approach software development and digital transformation.

These experiences lead to the creation of TAAP as a platform for creating applications faster, with smaller teams, with fewer errors, with as much flexibility and functionality as conventional software applications.

A Director at PwC, Gemma Jones ensures sustainability strategy is focused on areas of material concern to stakeholders and driving activity to make this happen.

In her role, Gemma is accountable for sustainability disclosures and communications through public reporting and other channels, driving down corporate emissions with innovative approaches and colleague driven engagement and action, supporting communities and colleagues through employee volunteering and engagement approaches, and developing third-sector and charitable partnerships to create positive social and environmental impact.

Professor Stephen McArthur has spent 30 years with the University of Strathclyde, from a researcher to distinguished professor and is now their Associate Principal and Executive Dean of Engineering.

While his main area of expertise is applying artificial intelligence in power and energy systems, as CTO of Bellrock for the last 11 years, he has helped design and create the Lumen product. This supports the effective and rapid deployment of intelligent system and data analytic products and services, and is being used by customers across eight different industry sectors including energy, fintech and rail transport.

James (Jim) Gough is a software architect, author, and Java Champion. He has authored “Optimizing Java” and “Mastering API Architecture,” both published by O’Reilly.

Currently a Distinguished Engineer leading the Firmwide API Program at Morgan Stanley, he is responsible for designing secure API architectures using Kubernetes and Service Mesh, emphasizing Zero Trust frameworks and Micro-segmentation.

Irene Coyle is both COO of OSP Cyber Academy, providing organisations with NCSC-assured cybersecurity, data protection and GDPR training, and COO of Cyber News Global, an industry-led cyber news publication.

Irene formerly spent 30 years in the police, rising to the role of Chief Inspector, and is now a regular conference speaker on topics concerning GDPR, cybersecurity, data protection, human error, training, diversity, and empowering women. Irene is also an Advisory Board Member for the Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE).

Nick is a software engineer, technical leader and software architect who has worked within a wide range of industries over the last 20 years. He is currently working for Morgan Stanley as a tech lead responsible for building and operating a Kubernetes and Service Mesh-based platform to provide API connectivity across the organisation.

His passion for technology and communities have led to him becoming the leader for the Manchester JUG and Cloud Native Glasgow, as well as being a member of the program committee for the Devoxx UK conference.

With a background in computer science and over 15 years of experience in the software industry, Abhinav has gained extensive experience working with people across the globe to solve business problems, both big and small.

Abhinav has collaborated with numerous customers worldwide to build and support a wide range of applications in areas such as Finance, Higher Education, Manufacturing, Engineering and Construction, and Oil & Gas.

In his current role, he leads a global team of system designers, software developers, QA engineers, and Database Administrators.

Brian, with over 25 years’ security experience has extensive experience in planning and delivering Security Architecture, Cyber Security and running of security platforms and functions, primarily within large financial organisations.

His previous roles include Head of Security Architecture (Big 4 UK Bank) where he was accountable for the delivery of Cyber security requirements, Head of IT Security (Big 4 UK Bank) delivering global IT Security as a set of clearly defined services, overall accountability for the introduction of change into the infrastructure owned by the Global IT Security function to ensure compliance with architectural standards and operational principles as well as change management standards.

With a substantial knowledge of Control Frameworks (including ISO27001, ISF SoGP, NIST, Sox, HKMA, MAS) Brian has a track record in building teams, developing functions and implementing and improving processes.

Before strategically leading Resillion’s Penetration Testing and Red Team services, Trevor has earned his 14+ years of industry experience by being an accredited Red Team and Penetration Tester.

Some of his previous roles includes CREST Certified Simulated Attack Specialist (CCSAS), CHECK Team Leader (CTL), CREST Certified Infrastructure Tester (CCT Inf), CREST Certified Web Application Tester and many more.

With a strong research background working at academic institutions including Oregon State University and University College London, Simone Stumpf is well-versed in academic and industrial Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research and interaction design practice.

Now a reader at University of Glasgow, her research interests include end-user interaction with intelligent/machine learning systems, end-user development for everyday systems, personal information management esp. activity-based interactions, and information-seeking particularly for images or music.

Jo is a Consulting Manager at Sopra Steria Next. With a background in operational leadership and over a decade of consulting experience, she has helped complex multi-national organisations design and implement optimised operating models.

Jo has led both rapid transformations and strategic multi-year global programmes across various industries, including energy & utilities, financial services, and the public sector.

She is a passionate advocate for human-centred organisations.

Neil has worked in IT support and cyber security for over 20 years and has extensive experience working with a wide range of companies.

As Head of Cyber Essentials for IASME, Neil is a member of the IASME and NCSC Joint Cyber Essentials Technical Working Group.

He works with a wide range of organisations, scheme stakeholders, and certifying bodies to promote the technical strategy and improve the awareness, consistency and accessibility of Cyber Essentials.