SPEERI Annual Conference Agenda
(Agenda is subject to change.)
Date: 26th November 2025
Time: 10:00 - 15:30 (followed by a networking drinks reception)
Location: Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
| Time | Summary | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| 9:15 - 10:00 | Registration & Networking | |
| 10:00 - 10:05 | Welcome and SPEERI Introduction | Claire Ordoyno, Executive Director, SPEERI |
| 10:05 - 10:15 | Words from the Chair | Professor Sir Jim McDonald GBE, Chair, SPEERI |
| 10:15 - 10:25 | Ministerial Address | Richard Lochhead MSP
Minister for Business and Employment, Scottish Government |
| 10:25 - 12:00 | Session 1 - Collaboration in Action | |
| 10:25 - 10:40 | Keynote Speech | Sian Lloyd Rees, MD AWEN Solutions |
| 10:40 - 11:20 | Showcase: Collaboration at Scale - Impact and Outcomes | Session host: Claire Ordoyno |
| Scotland's research landscape is increasingly defined by collaboration - across institutions, disciplines, and sectors. This showcase explores how cross-sector academic partnerships are unlocking access to major funding streams and delivering research that tackles complex, real-world challenges across Energy and Engineering. Featuring three innovative collaborations - the Centre for Net Zero High Density Buildings (CeNZ-HighDB), JUST-Systems, and the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) - this showcase will highlight how mutlidisciplinary teams are creating new knowledges, influencing policy, and accelerating sustainable innovation. Speakers will share insights into the enablers of successful collaboration, the importance of shared vision, and the transformative potential of working across boundaries to deliver research of real, societal significance. | Speakers: Professor Gioia Falcone - CeNZ-HighDB Professor Alireza Maheri - JUST-Systems Professor Duncan Hand - MDMC |
|
| 11:20 - 12:05 | Panel 1 - The Business Case for Collaboration | Panel Chair: Dr Alastair McInroy, Technology Scotland |
| In an increasingly interconnected world, collaboration isn't just a nice-to-have - it's a strategic imperative. This panel brings together industry and academic experts from across Energy & Engineering to explore how collaborative partnerships are unlocking new pathways to innovation, accelerating growth, and creating comeptitive advantage. This discussion will delve into real-world examples, lessons learned, and practical strategies for making collaboration work. | Panel: Paul Codd, Flexergy Dr Yvonne Davies, Remora Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, Heriot-Watt University Paul Sheerin, Scottish Engineering |
|
| 12:05 - 13:00 | Lunch/Networking/Research Exhibition/Poster Exhibition | |
| 13:00 - 14:00 | Session 2 - Beyond Silos: Exploring Cross-Cutting Themes Across Energy and Engineering | |
| 13:00 - 13:45 |
Parallel Session 1: The Sweet Spot: Collaboration, Innovation and Trusted AI In collaboration with the Scottish AI Alliance Room: Biosphere Blue Parallel Session 2: Engineering a Circular Future for the Clean Energy Transition In collaboration with NMIS Room: Biosphere Green |
|
|
Panel Chair: Steph Wright, Scottish AI Alliance Panel: Professor Gareth Pierce, University of Strathclyde, SPEERI Robotics & Autonomous Systems Theme Champion Jonathan Thurlwell, Ofgem Nick Thomas, ScotAI Professor Emma Hart, Edinburgh Napier University Panel Chair: Remi Zante, NMIS Panel: Jushui Lai, Remake Value Retention Centre Kenny Taylor, Zero Waste Scotland Matthew Pryor, Scottish Power Renewables (Onshore) |
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| 13:45 - 14:00 | Reconvene in Plenary Room | |
| 14:00 - 15:30 | Session 3 - Future Founders: Inspiring Tomorrow's Innovators Today | |
| 14:00 - 14:50 | Panel Session 3: Unlocking Scotland's Innovation Talent | Panel chair: Ross Tuffee, University of Stirling |
| This dynamic panel explores what Scotland needs to do to better support early-stage inventors and entrepreneurs. The discussion will focus on bridging the gap between research and real-world application, strengthening innovation pathways, and ensuring young innnovators have the skills, networks, and resources to thrive. | Panel:
Emma Loedel, Royal Academy of Engineering Dr Rutele Marciulionyte, SRPe Industry Doctorate Programme Alumni/Diageo Anne Johnstone, Vital Energi Edward Pollock, NZTC |
|
| 14:50 - 15:20 | Academic poster competition announcement & flash presentations | Claire Ordoyno/Poster Competition Winners |
| 15:20 - 15:30 | Reflections and Close | Claire Ordoyno |
| 15:30 - 16:30 | Networking Drinks Reception/Research Exhibition/Poster Exhibition | |