Matrix

BelTech 2023
2023-03-08 - 2023-03-09 | Titanic Belfast, 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast, Belfast, BT3 9EP, United Kingdom
BelTech, the conference that unites technologists under one all-encompassing banner, is set to return to Belfast on 8 and 9 March 2023. A vibrant, diverse and inclusive conference, BelTech 2023 will take place at Titanic Belfast and will continue to lead the way in gathering, informing and inspiring Northern Ireland’s technology practitioners of today and of the future.
As well as showcasing the very best of the technology sector in Northern Ireland, a key aspect of the conference is celebration: of diversity, inclusiveness and difference. After nearly three years of the world staying connected through the powers of digital technology, there is more value than ever before in uniting in person to share with and learn from the sector’s range of practitioners.
Whether you have just started a new project, or have been working on the latest technological development, BelTech gives everyone the opportunity to highlight their ideas to a domestic and influential global audience. Beltech 2023 is all about breaking down barriers and empowering people and organizations to succeed anywhere, anytime. The themes and tracks we are focused on this year include:
Distributed Enterprises: Remote and hybrid working has become the new normal. From dev environments to entire organizations, more and more business is becoming cloud native. This track explores the paradigm shift .
Mesh Architecture: Mesh architecture advocates interoperability and coordination between network agnostic services. With cybersecurity and data leading the charge, what’s next?
Artificial Intelligence: AI continues to drive rapid growth across the global economy. Explore the trends and patterns that may someday change the world.
Sustainable Computing Practices: Take responsibility for ensuring your work doesn’t harm the environment or don’t just rely on the big cloud providers! Can you help save the planet through the technologies you use, your ways of working and how you code? We welcome any talk across our tracks on this theme.

Next steps for the UK mobile industry
2023-03-07 09:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | Online
This conference focuses on the future for UK mobile, looking at market dynamics, investment, spectrum allocation, infrastructure and technology development, as well as priorities for policy and regulation.
It will be an opportunity to discuss key issues concerning the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, and the level of mobile connectivity the UK will require in order to support the needs of consumers, businesses and public services into the future, including in the transport, education and healthcare sectors.
Stakeholders and policymakers will assess latest developments in M&A activity, related issues around competition, spectrum allocation and sharing, and how policy and regulation may need to adapt going forward.
In an increasingly complex landscape – bringing mobile and other adjacent markets together with new entrants, business models and commercial users – delegates will look at priorities for the investment environment and how to attract and incentivise finance for further development of connectivity, as well as discussion on the future of net neutrality.
Further sessions will discuss infrastructure development, international partnerships, security, consumer priorities and the way forward for innovation. Finally, delegates will consider use-cases and decision-making structures in the industry as it looks ahead to 6G.
We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Holly Creek, Deputy Director for Wireless Infrastructure, Spectrum and Consumers, DCMS; Brian Potterill, Director, Mobile Network Strategy, Ofcom; and Hamish MacLeod, Director, Mobile UK – as well as contributions from BT, Assembly Research, Cambridge Wireless, DMSL, Preiskel & Co, Samsung Research UK; Three UK; and WM5G.
Overall, sessions in the agenda include:

the mobile market: changing dynamics – emerging trends – key issues
sector priorities: competition – M&A and the future shape of the sector – spectrum – infrastructure – priorities for policy and regulation
investment: infrastructure and technology development – incentives – regulation – the future of net neutrality
innovation: preparing for the future and 6G

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from the Cabinet Office; CMA; DCMS; DBT; Department for the Economy; DfE; DfT; GLD; NAO; NCA; NCSC; NIC; Ofcom; Transport Scotland; UKSA; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

Democratising AI – bringing the AI superpower to the people
2023-03-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Presented by Dr Ivan Ling, this talk will share tools and open-source modules which are free to use and projects which will be beneficial for non-AI professionals to get into AI. He will also discuss the importance of democratising the use of AI technology so that it can be utilised by everyone, regardless of their background or skill level. The talk will provide a comprehensive overview of the current AI landscape and provide practical advice on how to use AI in our everyday lives. Dr Ling will also showcase various projects that are currently in the works and how they could potentially benefit non-AI professionals. Dr Ling will also discuss various tools and open-source modules that are free to use and projects that will benefit beginners looking to get into the field. This talk is a great opportunity to get an understanding of the current state of AI and to obtain the necessary skills to help you get started with AI.

RAEng Diversity & Inclusion Annual Conference 2023
2023-03-02 10:00 - 18:00 | Online and In Person
Our annual conference is an impactful day of panel discussions and networking for engineering professionals to share best practice, collaborate and develop successful solutions to make sustained progress on diversity and inclusion. Following our year of exploring ‘What works in diversity and inclusion’, in 2023 the Academy will bring together the engineering community to accelerate the adoption of inclusive cultures across a series of events and activities.
This year’s conference theme is Engineering inclusive cultures. We will be joined by experts from across the profession to explore the transformational impact of culture on how we nurture our teams, structure our thinking, and approach the challenges facing our planet.
Programme

10.00am
In-person registration

10.20am
Welcome

10.35am
Launch of the inclusive cultures research
Arun Verma, Senior Manager, Diversity and Inclusion, Royal Academy of Engineering
Yohanes Scarlett, Policy and Research Advisor, Diversity and Inclusion, Royal Academy of Engineering

10.50am
Are we creating inclusive cultures in engineering?
Panel discussion and Q&A
Panellists
Vanessa Burton, Assistant Geotechnical and sub-structural engineer, Mott Macdonald
Mohammed Marika, Senior Director, Digital Engineering at RBC

12.00pm
Practice – Building inclusive cultures day-by-day
Panel discussion and Q&A chaired by Aleida Rios FREng
Panellists:
Melissa Sabella, Founder and CEO, The Honeycomb Works
Joanna Whiteman, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Royal Academy of Engineering

12.45pm
Focus on retention: Removing barriers to inclusion
Table discussion

14.15pm
Solving global challenges with inclusion
Dr Shini Somara

14.30pm
Inclusive engineering to save our planet
Panel discussions and Q&A chaired by Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE
Panellists
Dr Shini Somara

15.30pm
Closing remarks
Aleida Rios FREng, D&I Committee Chair, Royal Academy of Engineering Diversity and Inclusion Committee

15.45pm
Networking, Exhibition for in-person delegates

17.45pm
Close of event

*Programme subject to update and change
Tickets
In-person tickets are limited, and available on a first come, first served basis. Registration for in-person attendance closes Thursday 16 February. After registering your place you will receive a confirmation email. For online delegates, this will contain login details for joining.
Recording notice
Please note this event will be streamed and recorded, and may be published on the Royal Academy of Engineering website. For virtual participants, your video will be off and your account will be muted throughout the entire event.
Venue and accessibility
In-person attendance is at Prince Philip House. Online attendance will be via zoom.
It is very important to the Royal Academy of Engineering that our events are accessible to all. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact the Events team more than one week in advance of this event so that necessary arrangements can be made. Contact details: events@raeng.org.uk

Digital Twins Where AI meets IoT
2023-02-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Ulster University Belfast, York Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT15 1ED, United Kingdom
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are enabling our world to be replicated digitally – creating Digital Twins of our cities, cars, homes and even ourselves. A Digital Twin is an exact replica of something in the physical world, with a unique aim – to help improve the real-life version.
This workshop is organised by the School of Computing, Ulster University and will introduce the emerging field of Digital Twins, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and concepts at the intersection of IoT and AI. You’ll have an opportunity to get hands-on with these technologies through a number of interactive demonstrations, covering topics such as sensor technologies, machine vision, robotics, virtual/ augmented reality, chatbots and simulation.
This event will take place in BC-03-115 and the Level 3 Atrium of the Ulster University Belfast Campus.
NB: Although registration is free, it is mandatory to obtain the visiting pass in order to access the BC building.

RENDR - Creative X Tech
2023-02-23 17:00 - 2023-02-24 23:00 | Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1HE
Love film, gaming, animation, immersive and more?
Welcome to RENDR! A festival that gives you an unforgettable experience with talented creatives just like you, from all around the world. Whether you are an experienced pro, a recent grad or a freshly initiated student, RENDR has you covered….

2 days (5 – 11pm)
30+ speakers

2 stages
2 Live Performances
Nightmarket & Side Events
Inspiration & exchange
Meeting other international & local creatives
Networking Dinner
Goodie Bag

RENDR is a unique nocturnal experience, all set in a misty Blade Runner inspired environment. Exploring the nexus between creativity & technology, RENDR strives to inspire creatives with inspiring speakers from the worlds of film, gaming, animation, immersive, and more.
Come for the talks, stay for the experience!

Caoimhe Rooney - From Mathematigals to Mars
2023-02-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
We’re delighted to welcome one of Northern Ireland’s most inspiring scientists to the Festival for a discussion about her work and career to date.
Belfast born Caoimhe Rooney is the sole mathematician within a group of astrophysicists at NASA Ames studying exoplanet atmospheres to understand how they formed, what they’re made of, and if they could be home to extraterrestrial life.
She is also co-founder of Mathematigals, an educational initiative to boost representation of women and girls in maths and STEM.
Interview by Ulster University’s Prof Victoria Simms.

How can schools and colleges prepare young people for a technological life and help tackle the technical skills gap?
2023-02-22 17:30 - 21:30 | Online
How do we prepare the next generation for a technological life and, at the same time, help to tackle the technical skills gap? What should schools and FE colleges be contributing to post-16 technical education, and how can we ensure that the right skills are taught at schools pre-16 to enable that post-16 technical education to be a success? Is the role of Further Education fully understood in discussions about post-16 and post-18 technical education? These are some of the questions that we will be exploring in this event.
Speakers

Professor Bill Lucas
Director of the Centre for Real World Learning, University of Winchester

Lisa O’Loughlin
Principal and CEO, Nelson and Colne College Group

Ella Podmore MBE
Senior Materials Engineer, McLaren Automotive Ltd

Phil Smith
Chairman of IQE, Chair of Digital Skills Partnership and former Chair and CEO of Cisco UK

Jim Al-Khalili - The Joy of Science
2023-02-21 19:30 - 20:30 | Mandela Hall, 77 University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NF
Join New York Times bestselling author – and one of the UK’s top physicists – Jim Al-Khalili, as he discusses his latest book, The Joy of Science. A Distinguished Professor of Theoretical Physics, Jim’s fascinating insights into how science can help make life easier to navigate, based on eight scientific methods, might just transform how you approach your life.
Covering everything from how to handle uncertainty and doubt, to coping with the general complexities of modern living, the BBC host will show you how to think more like a scientist and learn how to adopt a more confident approach in the day-to-day.
Don’t miss out on this chance to pick up some top tips from one of Britain’s leading scientific minds.
About
Jim Al-Khalili is Distinguished Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Surrey and one of Britain’s best-known science communicators. He has written numerous books, including The World According to Physics (Princeton); Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed; and Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology. He is a fellow of the Royal Society and lives in Southsea, England.
Matrix will partner this event

NI Science Festival Anne-Marie Imafidon - She’s In CTRL
2023-02-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
How women can take back tech
Why are women so under-represented in the tech world? Why does this matter? What can we do about it?
Why do so many of us – particularly women – feel the tech world is beyond reach? Women are woefully under-represented in tech – they represent roughly a mere quarter of the UK STEM workforce. This means an ever increasing series of big decisions are made by a small number of people, mainly men.
So, what are the challenges for all of us who want to wrest back control? How do we get past the gatekeepers? When we do, what are the opportunities that will open up – for us in our individual roles and for the future of tech? Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon shows we have more agency than we think, drawing on her own experience and the stories of other pioneers and innovators to provide examples, exercises and practical guidance for how to get started and take control.
There will always be problems. But, as we know, women are problem-solvers.
About
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon is a keynote speaker, leader and creator of the award-winning social enterprise Stemettes, which engages, inspires and connects the next generation of women and nonbinary people into the science, technology, engineering and maths field. A recognised and respected thought-leader in the tech space, in 2017 she was awarded an MBE for services to young women and STEM sectors. In 2020 she was voted the most influential woman in tech in the UK by Computer Weekly.
Matrix is a partner of this event

Exploring the Future of UK AI: Scoping Event - N.Ireland
2023-02-20 10:00 - 15:00 | Hilton Hotel, Belfast, 4 Lanyon Place, Belfast, BT1 3LP
Join UKRI for this scoping event which will bring together interested stakeholders including potential users and providers of AI to discuss the focus and direction of the programme including presentations from the AI programme consortium and round table discussions.
About the event
Unprecedented opportunities exist for us to drive the UK’s innovation and adoption of AI – the technologies transformative nature has the potential to revolutionise the UK economy.
Are you looking to drive the UK’s innovation and adoption of AI? Do you have an AI project that has the potential to make a big impact on the economy? If so, the upcoming programme seeks to stimulate the adoption of AI in sectors of the UK economy with low AI maturity but high-potential for growth.
Launching soon, this programme aims to:

Gain a greater consideration of ethical, security and bias aspects in the development of new AI solutions
Educate AI adopters in the commercial benefits of developing and introducing AI technologies
Cultivate a network between AI developers and AI adopters in target sectors
Reduce the technical skill gap to increase both productivity and profitability

Who is the event for and why should you attend?
This event welcomes any potential users of AI in the creative, agriculture, transport, and construction sectors, representatives of AI suppliers, and technology providers in all sectors. If you are interested in creating and deploying innovative AI solutions and have the seniority to make it happen, express your interest now to reserve your spot.
By attending, you will have the opportunity to:

Influence the direction of this national programme and future government policy.
Be the first to learn more about the vast funding opportunities for AI projects both current and upcoming.
Network with your peers, face to face, to form invaluable partnerships and consortiums.

So You Want to be a Biomedical Scientist?
2023-02-18 13:30 - 17:00 | Lecture Theatre, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute For Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
Find out what it’s like to be a biomedical scientist as researchers including a PhD student, postdoctoral fellow and principal investigator talk about their work and various career paths. There’ll be a chance to ask them any questions, while various teaching staff will also be on hand to explain the opportunities available within QUB.
We’ll then split into subgroups and go for a tour of the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM) building, including the microscopy facility. The tours will then return to the open event in the WWIEM atrium, where Biomedical Research in Action will be on display from 1pm-5pm.

Biomedical Research in Action!
2023-02-18 13:00 - 17:00 | Lecture Theatre, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute For Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
Become a scientist for the afternoon at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM) and enjoy a range of demonstrations and interactive research activities!
Our mission is to understand the mechanisms of disease and use that understanding to develop new tests and treatments to improve patients’ lives. This is a great chance to find out all about the work of local scientists who are leading the way in research into vision and vascular disease, respiratory medicine and the immune system and its interactions with microbes.

Idea Jam
2023-02-17 10:00 - 17:00 | The Mac, 10 Exchange Street, West, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 2NJ, United Kingdom
Event Details
Ideas. We’ve all got ‘em, rattling around in our busy, distracted heads. Perhaps you’re harbouring the next big thing … Maybe it’s always been there, but it’s hiding behind-to-do lists, bank statements and status updates. It’s finally time to tip that idea out of your head and onto the page so you can actually do something with it.
Idea Jam is a chance for creators, new and old, to clear all distractions and finally sculpt that secret, nebulous idea you’ve been chipping away at for years into one that’s ready to act on… and maybe even figure out how to take it to the next step. If you’ve never done this sort of thing before, there will be professional artists, developers and industry experts on-hand to help transfer your concept from brain to pitch.
There will be advice in the form of breakout sessions and discussions about how to pitch your idea and take it further after the day.
Matrix is a partner of this event

STEM Fleming Agri-Products Factory Tour 2023
2023-02-16 10:30 - 16:00 | Fleming Agri Products, New Buildings Industrial Estate, Victoria Road, Londonderry, BT47 2SX
Fleming Agri-Products is one of the UK and Ireland’s oldest manufacturers of agricultural machinery. Join them on a factory tour, you’ll get the opportunity to explore the company’s heritage and values, as well as gaining an insight into their production processes and customer-focussed practices.
Matrix is a partner to this event

Create Your Very Own Platform Game in Scratch 3.0
2023-02-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine St, Derry, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6HJ, United Kingdom
Have you used Scratch 3 before? Not like this you haven’t!
In this workshop participants will create their very own platform game from start to finish. Participants will create everything from characters to levels and learn advanced coding techniques using Scratch 3.0.
Matrix is a partner of this event

Hydrogen Supply Chain Collaborative R&D Competition Briefing webinar
2023-02-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
Innovate UK, in collaboration with Innovate UK KTN, will be hosting an online competition briefing webinar to share details of the new funding competition “Hydrogen storage and distribution supply chain Collaborative R&D”.
Innovate UK, in collaboration with Innovate UK KTN, will be hosting an online competition briefing webinar on 16th February 2023 to share details of the new funding competition “Hydrogen storage and distribution supply chain Collaborative R&D”
Low carbon hydrogen has an important role to play in the UK’s move towards net zero carbon. The UK Government continues to support the scale up of hydrogen production through the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund and Hydrogen Business Models but in order to exploit the opportunity of 10GW hydrogen production by 2030 we need strong supply chains.
The hydrogen storage and distribution supply chain fund will,

Provide a mechanism which incentivises collaboration across the hydrogen value chain, with particular emphasis in storage and distribution of hydrogen
Develop integrated storage and distribution systems
Reduce the associated cost of hydrogen supply chains related to the storage and distribution of hydrogen.
Encourage the commercialisation and adoption of hydrogen storage and distribution innovation

Innovation within different parts of hydrogen storage and distribution supply chain include but is not limited to:

Pipeline and vessels
On-vehicle transport
Storage tanks and surface infrastructure
Monitoring and system controls such as meters, sensors and valves
Refuelling and blending

The briefing webinar will include an opportunity to:

Hear about the scope of the competition in more detail and how to apply
Learn about the eligibility criteria
Hear about the support services available for businesses applying into the fund

Northern Ireland Science Festival
2023-02-16 - 2023-02-26 | Northern Ireland
NI Science Festival returns 16 – 26 February 2023 for its ninth edition celebrating the Science of You, The Universe and Everything in between!
Over the years NISF has striven to bring the very best of science communication to Northern Ireland, including notable names such as Brian Cox, Alice Roberts, Jim Al-Khalili, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Liz Bonnin, Robert Winston, Chris Hadfield, Chris and Xand Van Tulleken, Chris Packham, Adam Rutherford, Maddie Moate to name a few.
The festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.
During the day, the festival offers a range of workshops, tours talks and interactive activities for people of all ages. In the evening we present an eclectic mix of experiential events including scientific debate, talks, theatres, comedy, music, and film for adults and much more.

NISF Regional Roadshow
2023-02-16 - 2023-02-19 | Northern Ireland
That’s Non Sense
Explore the wonderful world of our senses and the tricks they play on us.
Think you see with your eyes and taste with your tongue? Ever wondered why you get dizzy when you spin? How many senses do you even have? Prepare to be amazed and confounded by sensory and optical illusions in this demo-packed exploration of your brain, as we discover your senses aren’t quite as simple as they seem…
Hack Your Brain
A whirlwind introduction to the brain and nervous system!
Packed with memorable large-scale demos, you’ll create a giant neuron live on stage to explore how nerve cells communicate. Then, watch as we hijack those signals to control someone’s movements (preferably a teacher!)! Along the way we’ll investigate what this tells us about how we learn, helping students to understand their brains better and how to make the most of them.
Event Schedule

That’s Non Sense (Antrim)
Friday 17th February 2023
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Market Square, Antrim, BT41 4AW
Link

Hack Your Brain (Antrim)
Friday 17th February 2023
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Market Square, Antrim, BT41 4AW
Link

That’s Non Sense (Omagh)
Saturday 18th February
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Townhall Square, Omagh, BT78 1BL
Link

Hack Your Brain (Omagh)
Saturday 18th February
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Townhall Square, Omagh, BT78 1BL
Link

That’s Non Sense (Armagh)
Sunday 19th February
12:00pm – 1:00pm
74-76 Sráid na nGall, Armagh, BT61 7LG
Link

Hack Your Brain (Armagh)
Sunday 19th February
2:30pm – 3:30pm
74-76 Sráid na nGall, Armagh, BT61 7LG
Link

That’s Non Sense (Limavady)
Thursday 16th February 2023
12:00pm – 1:00pm
24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ
Link

Hack Your Brain (Limavady)
Thursday 16th February 2023
2:30pm – 3:30pm
24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ
Link

WEBINAR: Hydrogen Economy
2023-02-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Many countries are looking for solutions on how to control their carbon emissions and how to reach carbon neutrality. In this Hydrogen Economy webinar, Swagath Manohar, Senior Industry Analyst Energy & Environment, Frost & Sullivan will look at helping you identify growth opportunities in hydrogen technologies and markets.
Swagath will discuss the five key pillars of decarbonisation:
• Rise of renewables
• Hydrogen economy
• Direct electrification and renewable heat
• Emissions management
• Energy efficiency
None of the key pillars are new, however the importance of each has increased in the past few years. Technology and crucially, business model innovation, will drive them further forward.

Next steps for digital identity in the UK - legislation and regulation, opportunities, key issues for service providers and customers, data sharing and security, and technology and innovation
2023-01-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Online
This conference will examine the next steps for development of digital identity in the UK – which is set to be central for enabling private and public sector organisations to provide services to customers and citizens into the future, and for growing the digital economy.

Delegates will assess plans being put in place by for technology rollout and regulation, and what it will mean for stakeholders.

It will be a timely opportunity for stakeholders and key policymakers to discuss key issues and how they can be addressed, with:

government consultation on its revised UK digital identity and attributes trust framework, which sets out rules, standards and governance for organisations providing or using digital identity
the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes, being set up within DCMS as an interim regulatory body to oversee the Framework’s development as it moves into law

With senior contributions from the DCMS and TechUK, areas for discussion include:

policy and regulation: priorities and next steps – the evolving roles of regulators – information and guidance for developers and providers – developing equivalence with paper-based verification
stakeholder impact: implications of developments for vendors, service providers and their customers – their priorities and support they may need – issues for local government, charities and SMEs
public adoption: communication with the public and gaining their trust – ease of use and building accessibility into design – tackling digital inequalities
organisational implementation: the roadmap for rollout – data sharing, cooperation, and relationships between public and private sector – skills and supply chain development
data: the future of policy on GDPR and implications for international cooperation – what data is stored, how it is shared, how long it is kept, and by who – action and assurance on fraud
technology: interoperability internationally and across sectors, organisations and uses – challenges for facial recognition and other biometric data

The conference will be an opportunity for the stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from CMA; DCMS; Dstl; DfT; HMRC; Home Office; Ofcom; and the Welsh Revenue Authority.

In conversation with Dr Sundiatu Dixon-Fyle
2023-01-24 12:30 - 13:30 | Online
Aleida Rios FREng, Senior Vice President of Engineering at BP and Chair of the Royal Academy of Engineering Diversity and Inclusion Committee, will be joined by Dr Sundiatu Dixon-Fyle, Senior Fellow at the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), for a thought-provoking conversation exploring diversity and inclusion best practice.
Alongside exploring ‘what works’, Aleida and Sundiatu will also start the conversation around our diversity and inclusion theme for 2023: Engineering Inclusive Cultures understanding how culture is critical for sustaining our people and practice.

Energy Efficient Networks: New Architectures
2023-01-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Following the initial kick-off meeting, techUK and the CSA Catapult will host a series of ‘deep dive’ roundtables to explore in more detail key topics related to network energy efficiency.
Roundtable 2 will examine ‘New Architectures’ and will be co-chaired by Satellite Applications Catapult. Final agenda and speakers TBC.
We anticipate the following topics will be discussed, along with others identified at the kick-off meeting:

Self-powering infrastructure: focus on the use of renewable-energy generation at masts and other sites
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and energy reduction: the use of software in order to manage network energy needs.
Photonics and optical communications: More energy efficient photonics are cited as important in previous discussions
Semiconductors, materials, and manufacture: This would focus on how compound semiconductors and efficiencies in the manufacture of physical infrastructure can increase energy efficiency.
RAN, RF and microwave communications: How the RAN itself, not just its components, power source or network management, can become more efficient – we will also explore the potential of open and disaggregated networks in reducing energy consumption.
Energy efficient cooling: Exploring new and innovative cooling methods that aid a reduction in energy use in high-demand/high-resilience environments, such as data centres.
Metamaterials and intelligent reflected surfaces: the role of passive and active surfaces for beam forming and directional tracking to improve network efficiency.

During the deep dive roundtables, we will invite attendees to discuss UK capabilities, market potential and priorities for future investment. The roundtables will be held under Chatham House Rule.
Session chairs:

Sophie James

Programme Manager, Communications Infrastructure and Services, techUK
Find out more

Dr Andy Sellars FIET

Strategic Development Director, CSA Catapult

Briefing - Delivering a Sustainable Utilisation of Livestock Slurry (SULS) solution for Northern Ireland
2023-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
The Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is responsible for food, farming, environmental, fisheries, forestry and sustainability policy in Northern Ireland.
Agriculture is a key industry and employer in Northern Ireland, and the Department is seeking practical ways to address nutrient separation/processing of the resultant livestock slurry – particularly from cows and pigs – to generate energy. This is key to addressing concerns relating to ammonia, green house gas emissions and biosecurity.
A successful solution will enable slurry to be separated with minimal nitrogen and methane loss, to produce feedstock for energy production, with remaining nutrients providing artificial fertilizer for NI or export.
DAERA has been awarded £500,000 ex VAT of SBRI funding to support up to 5 suppliers to develop a solution.
This free to attend, online event will provide an overview of the SBRI programme in Northern Ireland, information about the project, and details of the application process.

NI KTP Innovation Showcase
2023-01-12 09:00 - 14:30 | Dunadry Hotel And Gardens, 2 Islandreagh Drive, Dunadry, Northern Ireland, BT41 2HA, United Kingdom
Join us in-person to discover how the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Programme can help grow and scale your business.

The Northern Ireland KTP knowledge providers (Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, SERC, SWC, NWRC, NRC, Belfast Met, CAFRE, and Open University) are delighted to invite the business community to this insightful event.
The event will highlight the many benefits that an organisation can gain by partnering with a University or Further Education College through KTP.
KTPs are a three-way partnership between an innovative business, an academic knowledge provider, and a highly skilled graduate to deliver the business’ strategic growth plans. Projects are part-funded by Innovate UK, Invest NI and the company partner.
The KTP Programme can be applied to any business function (including management, engineering, R&D, finance, data, production etc.) across all industry sectors. This event will focus on three current themes:

Digital and Business Innovation
Net-zero and Sustainability
Advanced Manufacturing

You will hear from a variety of academic and business partners on how to accelerate business growth through KTP, and gain useful insights on how the programme could be used in your organisation.
You will have the opportunity to talk with KTP funders and Northern Ireland knowledge providers to get advice on business support mechanisms currently available from our local Universities and Colleges.

Register below to secure your place or contact Aoife Lynch for more information.
This free event is aimed at SMEs and Large companies across Northern Ireland. Early registration is encouraged.
We look forward to meeting you.

Jim Al-Khalili - The Joy of Science
2023-01-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Mandela Hall, 77 University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NF
Join New York Times bestselling author – and one of the UK’s top physicists – Jim Al-Khalili, as he discusses his latest book, The Joy of Science. A Distinguished Professor of Theoretical Physics, Jim’s fascinating insights into how science can help make life easier to navigate, based on eight scientific methods, might just transform how you approach your life.
Covering everything from how to handle uncertainty and doubt, to coping with the general complexities of modern living, the BBC host will show you how to think more like a scientist and learn how to adopt a more confident approach in the day-to-day.
Don’t miss out on this chance to pick up some top tips from one of Britain’s leading scientific minds.
About
Jim Al-Khalili is Distinguished Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Surrey and one of Britain’s best-known science communicators. He has written numerous books, including The World According to Physics (Princeton); Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed; and Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology. He is a fellow of the Royal Society and lives in Southsea, England.
Matrix is a partner of this event

Women in Tech
2022-12-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Grow your network and connect with others in your industry, outside of the workplace!
As part of our Women in Industry Round Tables, we welcome all Women in Tech to join us for a virtual forum to discuss the current topics, challenges, and upcoming developments in the world of Tech.
Whether you are involved in computer programming or network security, take the opportunity to share in other women’s experiences, ask those questions on your mind and offer valuable support to women within your industry.
Why don’t you bring along a colleague? This is a biannual catch up (not to be missed!) with key take away information to support your professional development and to help continue your networking beyond the screen.
Our virtual events take place on Zoom, once booked you will receive the zoom meeting link via your email as well as the confirmation page at the end of the checkout process.

Artificial intelligence research to enable UK’s net zero target
2022-12-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
This webinar is targeted at academic researchers (UK research organisations only). It will provide further information and questions and answers opportunity to prospective applicants of the new UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) cross-council funding opportunity ‘artificial intelligence research to enable UK’s net zero target’.
Attendees from a variety of research disciplines and career stages are welcomed, but an interest in investigating solutions to net zero challenges using artificial intelligence is essential.
Projects will explore the use of artificial intelligence in addressing net zero challenges across 4 themes with research proposals crossing any 2 council’s remits of EPSRC, NERC, BBSRC, ESRC. The 4 themes are:

energy
transport
environment
agriculture and food systems

Prospective applicants will find out further information regarding the opportunity scope, proposal requirements, eligibility, as well as the type of projects and themes that UKRI is looking to support.
Applicants to the opportunity must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for funding during the duration of their project.
The Zoom link for the webinar will be provided post registration. Registrations for webinar attendance open 2 December 2022.

Energy-smart places: delivering net zero
2022-12-12 08:00 - 17:00 | Online
Learning and inspiration from the Prospering from the Energy Revolution Programme

The Prospering from the Energy Revolution programme, delivered by Innovate UK and EPSRC, has invested over £100m in developing and demonstrating local approaches to energy, with over 80 projects involving hundreds of organisations.
This one-day conference and exhibition will help tell the projects’ stories and give insight into what has been learnt and achieved. The event will bring people together from across the energy landscape, to look at how the potential of local smart energy systems can be realised on the journey to net zero.
Joining this event will be a great way to learn more about the opportunities and issues around place-based approaches to energy, to share experiences with others to take inspiration and key insight back to your area’s net zero delivery plans.
There are two ways to take part in this event: in person or online. There is no charge to attend for either format.
Joining in person:
Venue capacity is limited, and we aim to achieve a group of attendees that reflect the diversity of the net zero/local energy systems landscape. If you pre-register to attend in person, we will advise you in January whether we have been able to allocate you a place.
Joining online:
The main stage presentations will be streamed and there will also be online exhibition and networking zones. It’s important to highlight that there is no audience limitation for online attendance.

The Co-Centre Programme
2022-12-08 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
The Co-Centre Programme is an exciting opportunity for researchers to build strategic collaborative partnerships across Ireland, Great Britain and Northern Ireland through the formation of a Co-Centre. The programme will establish virtual Centres of distributed excellence linking researchers across academia and industry to perform cutting-edge research in areas of mutual economic, societal, health and environmental importance. Co-Centres will be structured according to the existing SFI model and will be funded by by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and co-funded by industry.
A webinar outlining the Co-Centre Programme 2022 call and its application process will take place on Thursday 8th December 2022 at 10:00am
