Working with the Insight and Policy team, this volunteer-led group provides strategic advice to Government, responds to consultations, delivers thought leadership and develops position statements and other materials within their fields of expertise.
If you would like to find out more on the roles and responsibilities of the group, become a member or have any questions, please get in touch with us today at policy@bookstothephilippines.com.
Chair
Professor Colin Turner
Colin is Executive Dean for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment and Professor of Engineering Education at Ulster University. He is also the Vice President and Immediate Past President of the Engineering Professors’ Council.
Colin is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the IET, a Fellow of the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications, a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a National Teaching Fellow.
With an initial training and background in mathematics, Colin’s teaching interests are in engineering maths and software, and his research includes work in cardio-vascular engineering applications.
Vice Chair
Dr Alan Pollock
Alan leads global resource planning for the XBOX and devices support businesses within Microsoft.
Previously, Alan performed a range of challenging managerial and technical roles within other software/IT giants and several US/UK based start-up IT companies.
Alan is a Chartered Fellow of Engineering, a Chartered Fellow of Management and a Chartered Mathematician.
Furthermore, Alan achieved a PhD in Maths and Computing, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence.
Members
Brendan Digney
Brendan is founder and managing director of Machine Eye Technology, a computer vision startup, building technology for improved safety practice in industrial sites, and reduction of risks associated with autonomous industrial machinery.
Brendan has engineering experience across electronics, digital services and electrical infrastructure. He is a Technical Member of the IET and is an EngTech.
Brendan is an Enterprise Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a Committee Member of the IET NI Local Network and Ambassador for Young Directors at the IoD.
Tom Gray
As Group CTO of Kainos, Tom sets the company’s technical strategy and identifies ways to improve its effectiveness, as well as managing the innovation capability within Kainos.
He provides advice and thought leadership on applied technology and enterprise architecture, as well as building relationships with the wider tech industry.
He holds a number of board roles, including Chairman of the University of Ulster Industrial Liaison Board, and is the driving force behind many industry-wide tech events including BelTech, MIT’s EmTech Europe, and AICon.
Tom was recognised as the Most Influential Person in Tech in Northern Ireland by Tech Nation in 2018 and is an ex-Chairman of IET in Northern Ireland.
Gillian Gregg
Gillian is responsible for establishing the Royal Academy of Engineering’s first regional node, based in Belfast.
Having started her career in the private sector, she has worked in R&D&I economic policy research across both the public and university sectors for over 20 years.
With a strong focus on engineering-led growth, Gillian’s experience working with the Advanced Manufacturing, Materials and Engineering sector across Northern Ireland provides the Hub with particular insight from across a wide range of regional stakeholder perspectives.
Gillian currently represents the Academy on the Northern Ireland Women in STEM departmental Steering Group.
Stephen Lusty
Caron Malone
Neasa Quigley
Neasa joined Carson McDowell as a partner in 2010 and became Senior Partner in 2019.
Neasa has over 21 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer, throughout her career in Dublin and Belfast, with particular experience working across various sectors but specialising in the energy, technology and engineering sectors.
Along with Neasa’s corporate practice focus, she leads the law firm’s overall strategic direction and its external engagement with clients and stakeholders.
In addition to sitting on the Engineering and Policy Group, Neasa is a committee member of the CBI Regional Council in Northern Ireland and the Renewable NI.
Professor Jonathan Wallace
Professor Jonathan Wallace is Professor of Innovation within the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Ulster.
His excellence in both Knowledge & Technology Transfer and lecturing has been recognised by his being awarded a Distinguished Business Fellowship and Distinguished Teaching Fellowship.
He is a founder member and Deputy Chair of the Northern Ireland Science Festival as well as Chair of the IET/BCS annual Belfast Turing Lecture.
Jonathan chaired and remains an active member of the IET Policy Group for Northern Ireland and is a member of the All-Party Advisory Group on Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths for the local devolved Government Assembly.
Given his strong engagement with industry, Jonathan also Chairs the Faculty’s Computing Employer Advisory Board (CEAB).