Our Wales Conference Ambassadors represent a powerful network of experts who play an integral role in championing Wales as a destination for association conferences and knowledge exchange. Their expertise spans key research and innovation sectors, aligned to the REF (Research Excellence Framework) disciplines.
More information can be found in the REF disciplines below, including details on our Conference Ambassadors, their bios and perspectives on Wales, and the academic and business strengths in Wales that underpin each discipline.
Research Excellence Framework Disciplines
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Likewise, you’ll find a short overview of each Wales Conference Ambassador below, set within the key academic and industry specialisms that define Wales’ strengths.
Professor Simon Middleburgh FIMMM MIntP
Professor in Nuclear Materials & Co-Director of the Nuclear Futures Institute, Bangor University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr Nataliia Luhyna
Senior Lecturer in Advanced Materials & Testing (Mechanical Engineering), Wrexham University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr David Sprake
Senior Lecturer, Subject Specialist in Renewable Energy, Zero Carbon and Climate Change, Wrexham University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr Ze Ji
Reader of Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Group Leader for Robotics and Autonomous Intelligent Machines (RAIM), Cardiff University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr Sivagunalan Sivanathan
Senior Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of South Wales
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Professor Jianming Tang
Professor of Optical Communications and Director of the DSP Centre of Excellence, Bangor University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr Ashraf A Fahmy Abdo
Senior Lecturer of Robotics and Autonomous, Swansea University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr Otar Akanyeti
Senior Lecturer in Computer Science, Aberystwyth University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Gareth Carr"
Senior Lecturer in Built Environment (ADT), Wrexham University
Social Sciences
Professor Wolfgang Maier
Professor of Earth Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr Karina Marsden
Teaching and Research Lecturer in Soil Science, Soil and Environmental Science, Bangor University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Professor Nathan Abrams
Professor in Film, Creative Industries, Bangor University
Arts and Humanities
Dewi Gregory
Film Producer, Truth Department
Arts and Humanities
Michael Brown
Professor of Creative Industries, University of South Wales
Arts and Humanities
Richard Hebblewhite
Senior Lecturer in Games & Media, Director of Games Talent Wales
Arts and Humanities
Adam Amor
Director, Bufoon Media
Arts and Humanities
Professor Andrew Hiscock
Professor of Early Modern Literature / Dean of Postgraduate Research, Bangor University
Arts and Humanities
Dr Alfredo Cramerotti
Director, Mostyn and President, IKT International
Arts and Humanities
Emma Jane Marshman
Head of Games, Design and Animation, University of South Wales
Arts and Humanities
Dr Christine Zarges
Senior lecturer, Department of Computer Science, Aberystwyth University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr Muneeb Ahmad
Associate Professor & Senior Lecturer, Computer Science and Compound Semi Conductors, Swansea University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr Phoebe (Phoey Lee Heard) Teh
Reader in Social Computing, Wrexham University, Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Laura Hutchings
Senior Lecturer / Digital Development and Innovation Champion: Institute of Education and Humanities, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Social Sciences
Dr Victor Romero Cano
Lecturer (Assistant Professor), School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Professor, Dr Christian Kaunert
Chair of Policing and Security and Director of the International Centre for Policing and Security, University of South Wales
Social Sciences
Hannah Coombs
Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor for Academic Transformation (Crime, Security, and Justice), University of South Wales
Social Sciences
Claire Parmenter
Director of Professional Practice, Hydra Research and Innovation Centre, University of South Wales
Social Sciences
Dr Juan D. Hernández Vega
Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor), School of Computer Science & Informatics, Cardiff University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr Cheryl Allsop
Course Leader and Senior Lecturer in BSc Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of South Wales
Social Sciences
Professor Yingli Wang
Professor in logistics and operations management, Pro Dean for Research, Impact and Innovation, Cardiff University
Social Sciences
Dr Wei Zhou
Lecturer in Intelligent Visual Computing, Cardiff University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr Yuhua Li
Reader of Machine Learning, Cardiff University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr Bharati Rathore
Reader of Machine Learning, Cardiff University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Professor Qingwei Wang
DHead of Accounting and Finance, Professor of Finance, Cardiff University
Social Sciences
Professor Jonathan Gillard
Professor of Statistics and Data Science and Deputy Head of School, Cardiff University
Social Sciences
Dr Gibin Powathil
Professor of Mathematics, Swnasea University
Social Sciences
Nina Ruddle
Head of Public Policy Engagement, Wrexham University
Social Sciences
Associate Professor Denis Dennehy
School Research Lead, School of Management, Swansea University
Social Sciences
Robert Lloyd Griffiths OBE
National Director,ICAEW (Institute of Charted Accountants in England and Wales)
Social Sciences
Dr Tiansheng Yang
Lecturer/ Assistant Professor in Management, University of South Wales
Social Sciences
Dr Rebecca Scott
Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Cardff University
Social Sciences,
Sofia Christidi
Lecturer in Marketing, University of South Wales
Social Sciences
Ms Melinda Mulcachy
Super-Conscious Catalyst, Curiosity Expert, Founder of The World Curiosity Organization and Curious You
Social Sciences
Dr Andrew Thompson
Head of Global Business, School of Business, University of South Wales
Social Sciences
Jonathan Fry
Lecturer in Business and Management, Aberystwyth University
Social Sciences
Professor Jeremy Tree
Professor of Psychology, Cardiff University
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Dr Nic Hooper
Lecturer of Psychology, School of Psychology, Cardiff University
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Dr Liba Sheeran
Reader, Director of Innovation and Impact, School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Dr Matthew Turner, FRCA
Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Gwent and Grange University Hospitals
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Dr Petros Mylonas BDS MMedEd PhD SFHEA
Clinical Lecturer and Speciality Training Registrar in Restorative Dentistry, Cardiff University
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Professor Tariq Butt
Biocontrol and Natural Products (BANP) group, Swansea University
Social Sciences
Professor Martin Steggall
Pro Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation, University of South Wales
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Professor Paul Mullins
Professor of Neuroimaging, School of Human and Behavioural Sciences, Bangor University
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Dr Shubha Sreenivas
Senior Lecturer in Psychology (Biological), Wrexham University
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Professor Katie Webb
Professor of Professor of Medical Education, Cardiff University
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Dr Nalda Wainwright
Associate Professor and Director: Wales Academy for Health and Physical Literacy, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Professor Andrew King
Professor of Animal Behaviour Swansea University
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics
Dr Beverley Pickard-Jones
Lecturer in Psychology, Bangor University
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Dr Biao Zeng
Lecturer in Psychology, University of South Wales
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Professor Mandy Robbins
Associate Dean (Research), Life Sciences, Wrexham University
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Dr Emma Yhnell
Reader in Neuroscience and Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Cardiff University
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Dr Catherine Purcell
Reader: Occupational Therapy, Cardiff University
Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Dr Yvonne Ehrstein"
Lecturer in Sociology, Aberystwyth University
Social Sciences
Wesley Skene
WS Marketing and Founder of The Welsh Fitness Expo and Welsh Fitness Games
Arts and Humanities
Steven Osborne
Principal Lecturer, School of Sport & Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Social Sciences
Dr Joseph Lambert
Senior Lecturer in Translation Services, Cardiff University
Arts and Humanities
Dr Andrew Cooke
Senior Lecturer, Institute for the Psychology of Elite Performance (IPEP), Bangor University
Social Sciences
Jonathan Fry
Lecturer in Business and Management, Aberystwyth University
Social Sciences
About our Ambassador Wales Conference Programme
Harness local expertise and global networks through our ambassador programme to create impactful events in Wales
Spotlight on: Wales' key industry sectors
Discover Wales’ research excellence and key industry sectors supporting international associations and knowledge‑led events.
Spotlight on: Academic Venues Wales
Wales' Universities and sector strengths for meetings
How the Meet In Wales team can help
Meet In Wales is the Welsh Government's Business Events team for Wales.
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