About the Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics Sector
The Physical Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematics Sector includes disciplines like physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, computer science, and mathematics. These fields are essential for innovation and problem-solving across industries such as aerospace, energy, telecoms, and manufacturing.
Wales offers real-world impact in these areas through its leadership in compound semiconductors, cyber security, FinTech, high value manufacturing and renewable energy. Cardiff-based IQE holds a 55% global market share in compound semiconductors, powering technologies from smartphones to satellites, supported by a strong innovation ecosystem including Vishay’s £250 million commitment to the UK’s largest semiconductor facility in Newport, underpin Wales’ reputation as a magnet for global business and talent. Alongside major players such as KLA, IQE, Microchip, a collaborative community of SMEs and global names such as GE, Siemens, and General Dynamics, reflect the deep integration with UK, European, and US supply chains.. In cyber security, Wales is home to global players like Airbus, Thales, and General Dynamics, alongside agile start-ups, supported by university-industry partnerships and close proximity to GCHQ and MoD cyber operations.
The Welsh FinTech sector is booming, with companies like Starling Bank, Sonovate, and Delio creating thousands of jobs. The Foundry accelerator continues to attract global start-ups such as Yacooba and FinalRentals. Meanwhile, over 5,000 firms and 150,000 people power Wales's high-value manufacturing industry, exporting everything from aircraft wings to energy systems worldwide. Wales also leads in energy and environment, employing over 58,000 in sectors like marine energy, low-carbon projects, and environmental tech—supported by deep-sea ports and strong export links.
Together, these strengths highlight how Wales is applying physical sciences and engineering to tackle global challenges and deliver next-generation technologies.
Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics University strengths in Wales
Collaboration between industry, academia and the Welsh Government work together to make things happen. We have the right business support and the agility to make decisions quickly. Here are just some of the sector strengths across our academia.
The ASTUTE 2020+ (Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies) network is a group designed to stimulate growth in West Wales and the Valleys by applying advanced engineering technologies to manufacturing challenges, driving cutting-edge research development and innovation. A business support operation led by Swansea University in partnership with Cardiff University, Aberystwyth University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
- Department of Physics, Space and Planetary Instrumentation Centre, Aberystwyth University
- Faculty of Business and Physical Sciences, Aberystwyth University
- Department of Mathematics, Aberystwyth University
- School of Computer Science Aberystwyth University
- The Digital Signal Processing Centre of Excellence (DSP Centre), Bangor University
- Nuclear Futures Institute, Bangor University
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University
- School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, Bangor University
- Environmental Science, Bangor University
- Compound Semiconductor Centre (CSC) and Institute for Compound Semiconductors (ICS), Cardiff University
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University
- Robotics and Autonomous, Cardiff University
- Catalytic & Computational Chemistry, Cardiff University
- School of computer science and informatics, Cardiff University
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University
- Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology, Cardiff University
- Net Zero Innovation Institute, Cardiff University
- School of Aerospace, civil engineering and mechanics, Swansea University
- Institute for Innovative Materials, Processing and Numerical Technologies (IMPACT), Swansea University
- SPECIFIC Innovation and Knowledge Centre, Zienkiewicz Centre for Computational Engineering (ZCCE), Swansea University
- Cybersecurity Research Unit, University of South Wales
- Cyber Security Education by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), University of South Wales
- School of Computing, Engineering and Science, University of South Wales, University of South Wales
- Centre for Automotive and Power Systems Engineering (CAPSE), University of South Wales
- University of Wales Trinity St David -key partner in the Non-Destructive Testing Validation Centre
- Mechanical Engineering, Wrexham University
Wales Conference Ambassadors in the Physical Sciences, Engineering and Mathematics Sector
- Dr Otar Akanyeti, Biometrics, Computer Science, Aberystwyth University
- Dr Adil Mughal, Mathematics, Aberystwyth University
- Dr Christine Zarges, Computer Science, Aberystwyth University
- Dr Karina Marsden, Renewables, Bangor University
- Professor Simon Middleburgh, Nuclear Materials, Bangor University
- Professor Jianming Tang, Optical Communications, Bangor University
- Dr Victor Romero Cano, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Cardiff University
- Dr Tim Davis, Astrophysics, Cardiff University
- Professor Stephen Eales, Astrophysics, Cardiff University
- Professor Jon Gillard, Statistics & Data Science, Cardiff University
- Dr Pan He, Environmental Science and Sustainability, Cardiff University
- Dr Ze Ji, Computer Science, Cardiff University
- Professor Wolfgang Maier, Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University
- Dr Alberto Roldan Matinez, Computer Science, Cardiff University
- Professor Augustin Valera-Medina, Renewables, Cardiff University
- Dr Pablo Orozco Ter Wengel, Bioscience / Genomics, Cardiff University
- Dr Juan Hernandez Vega, Cyber Security, Cardiff University
- Dr Muneeb Imtiaz Ahmad, Computer Science, Swansea University
- Professor Matt Carnie, Material Science & Engineering, Swansea University
- Dr Ashraf A. Fahmy, Robotics and Autiomation, Swansea University
- Dr Gibin Powathil, Mathematics, Swansea University
- Dr Simon Robinson,Computer Science, Swansea University
- Dr Sivagunalan Sivanathan, Electrical Engineering, University of South Wales
- Mr AllanTrow, Astrotourism, Dark Sky Wales
- Dr David Sprake, Renewables, Wrexham University
- Dr Phoebe Teh, Computer Science, Wrexham University
Get in touch
If you are a trade or specialist association or professional society. If you work for a not-for-profit or charitable concern. If you lead a commercial business or specific industry group. Or if you work in an academic setting alongside international colleagues, we would love to hear from you.
You can email, telephone us or complete our online enquiry form on our ambassador Wales homepage.
Email: ambassadors@meetinwales.co.uk
Telephone: +44 02921 661018
